June 25, 2015
NEWS RELEASE
Modern Outdoor Water Safety Gear Made Possible by Plastics
Toronto, ON, June 25 , 2015 - We all know that kids love the water. Bodysurfing in the
ocean. Cannonballing into the swimming pool. Diving off the pier into the lake.
Waterskiing with the family. Kids and water go together like summertime and ice cream.
But sometimes they forget about safety. As an adult, it’s difficult to relax and enjoy the
water when you’re concerned that kids might get hurt. That’s where a bit of planning—
plus some modern safety gear—can help. While safety gear is never a substitute for
adult supervision, it can help you prevent accidents and respond in emergencies … and
provide a bit more piece of mind.
Water safety gear, thankfully, has come a long way over the years. Did you know the
original lifejacket way back in the 1850s was made with cork? Lightweight, durable,
water-resistant plastics are now the norm in modern safety gear for swimming, boating,
and other water fun. Here are a few ways to help keep safe around water.
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For backyard swimming pools, a fence may not provide adequate safety for kids
and pets. A well-secured, heavy-duty plastic cover can help prevent accidental
drowning when the pool is not in use. And no matter how old children are, it’s a
good idea to keep a Transport Canada approved lifejackets and PFD’s (Personal
Flotation Devices) —usually made with foam plastics—readily accessible in case
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of an emergency. (Check with your insurance company for emergency
equipment recommendations and requirements for a home pool.)
At the beach, rolling waves are hard for kids to resist, but sharp rocks and prickly
sea creatures may lurk underneath. Plastic water shoes can help remove the
worry of cut feet and pinching crabs. And high-quality, fog-resistant plastic
goggles protect eyes from water sting during a long swim. Snug-fitting goggles
can even make it possible for contact lens wearers to swim underwater without
losing a lens.
Heading out above water? Whether pleasure cruising, fishing, or water skiing, it’s
essential to wear a personal flotation device, better known as a life jacket. Every
person, large or small. And sitting on it doesn’t count. According to The Royal
Lifesaving Society 80% of boaters who drowned were not wearing a
lifejacket/PFD (Canadian laws vary, so check with your local boating law
administrator or the Canadian Coast Guard for specific requirements.)
Lifejackets and PFD’s have advanced significantly in recent years: today they
often feature contoured plastic foam panels and easy-to-use plastic zippers,
straps, and buckles for greater comfort and better fit. There are even life jackets
designed for pets, many of which can get rather skittish around open water and
noisy, rocking boats.
All boaters also should wear plastic water shoes or boat shoes with skid-resistant
soles to prevent slipping on slick decks. It’s also a great idea to have a cellphone
handy in case of an emergency—bring a sealable plastic bag to help protect it
from water.
And finally, don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated. Shatter-resistant
plastic water bottles and cups are well suited to boating, beaches, and pools.
Remember to stow them carefully, keep them out of bodies of water, and recycle
what you can.
Swimming and boating are great summer fun when safety is given proper consideration.
A bit of preventative planning and modern safety gear can help make sure your family’s
outdoor fun stays fun.
Today's intelligent plastics are vital to the modern world. These materials enhance our
lifestyles, our economy and the environment. For more information visit
www.intelligentplastics.ca.
- 30 The Canadian Plastics Industry Association is the national voice of Canada’s plastics industry,
representing the interests of processors, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and
brand owners across the country.
For More Information:
Darlene Gray
Canadian Plastics Industry Association
905.678.7748 ext. 239