north shore news

swim safely to avoid
being a fatal statistic

MOST of us can’t wait to jump in the
water when the summer sun is beat-
ing down on us. But did you know
that drowning is the second biggest
killer of young people (after car acci-
dents)? A few precautions can help
you safely enjoy your cooling dip.
And you'll be saving health-care dol-
lars, too.

If you have your own outdoor pool, surround
it completely with a fence or wall at least 1.2
metres (4°) high. Ensure all pool encrances have
self-closing latches that are out of the reach of
toddlers and that can be securely locked.

Keep your pool clean. Wash before you get in
the water. Don’t take food or drinks into the
pool. Don’t allow street clothes or disposable
diapers in the pool — only proper bathing suits.
Ifa baby has an accident in the pool, add more
disinfectant in that area. Test your pool’s water
quality regularly, maintain the proper chlorine
level and periodically have a certified lab test the
water for bacteria. Lock all chemicals away from
the pool area.

Water in swimming pools is always being
pumped through a filter system. Don’t swim or

Ask about allergies ~~.
S$ ul a 4 é g . es from anaphylaxis is largely preventable. However, should a scri-

play near suction pipes or pool drains. ‘They can
be dangerous, especially to children. Make sure
there are no spaces in pool railings or ladders that
can trap children underwater. Fix any broken
pooi fittings or sharp edg

Wet equals slippery, so walk — don't run or
rough house around the pool. Be careful getting
in and out of the water. And never drink and
drive (or swim). Alcohol slows your reflexes and

au clumsy.
you dive in anywhere — pool, lake or
look carefully to sce how deep the
water is, and to make sure there’s nothing you
could hit your head on. Better yet, wafk into the
water, And before you wade into the lake or the
sea, look around for any warning signs about
dangerous pollution levels. Swimming with an
unscen crowd of bacteria can make you very sick.

Never swim by yourself. Don’t swim where
it’s too deep for you to feel safe. At the beach,
swim paralle! to the shore and stay inside roped-
off areas.

All this my sound like common sense — but
the statistics tell us it’s not common enough. So
waterproof yourself and your kids, then enjoy 2
healthy summer. For more information on water
safety, call the Ministry of Health Info line at 1-
800-465-4911.

ous attac! ck occur, the wearing of MedicAlert identification can
play a critical role in the immediate identification of the problem.

“This is most important for the severely allergic person as the
onset of anaphylaxis can render a person unable to speak, or even

Sunday, August 8, 1989 — North Shore News — 19

NEWS phote Cindy Goodman

Private poo! plan

SOPHIE Goodman (from left), Sophie MeGreger and Jennifer Ma all get backyard
swimming tessons from Linda Wheeler of the West Van Aquatics Centre. Private

pool feszons can be arranged by calling 925-7210.

unconscious within minutes. The immediate administration of
epinephrine is critical in reversing, anaphylactic shock.”

Jennifer has been wearing a MedicAlert bracelet since the age
of one. However, as mom Karen points out, “Peopte need to ask
parents before they offer food to children they don’t know. Even
with the best of intentions, you never know if that child may suk
fer a potentially fatal reaction to the food you are offering.”

before offering food

ce) Organic and Natural Food Store

Effective Dates Aug. 9 - 15/09

° ay ° Breads
zum Spring Lamb
STCRE HOURS 3030 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver

MON TO FRI SAM ‘TO SP2i rax: 987-6155
‘saTasun saAnTo7PeH TEL: 98'7-G644

Cees eanw ane yt