Drowning can happen so fast — sometimes in just a few seconds. That leaves very little time for someone to help. Many drownings and near-drownings occur when a child accidentally falls into the water. But accidents can happen anywhere — at a neighbour’s home or even at your own house, and that's why you need to know how to be safe around water.

Here's some other good advice for when you are around water or by the pool:

• Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around.
• Learn to swim. Ask your parents to take swimming lessons.
• Gates are around pools for a reason. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
• Always obey pool rules.
• Swim with a buddy. Never go in the water alone.
• Feet first, first time. Never dive into shallow water.
• Walk slowly in the pool area. Don't run.
• Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you're just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
• Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
• Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember, lightning is electricity — electricity and water are a dangerous combination.
• Don't swim in the dark.
• Don’t rely on floating toys (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They're toys that can lose air or float away.
• Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.
• While swimming, if caught in a strong current, float until the current weakens and you can swim to safety.