Spending the day at the beach is a quintessential part of summer in Ontario. Whether you're enjoying the shores of Lake Ontario, Wasaga Beach, or a hidden gem up north, safety should always be part of your packing list.

While beaches offer sun, surf, and fun, they also present risks, especially when water and heat are involved. Here's how to prevent common beach injuries and respond effectively with first aid when accidents happen.

Drowning: How to Prevent and Respond to Drowning Signs

Did you know that Ontario sees approximately 164 drowning deaths per year on average? And for all of Canada, about 425–450 drownings occur annually, with Ontario accounting for a significant share?

Before heading to the waterfront this summer, be aware of the ways to prevent drownings from occurring and what to do if one does occur. 

Prevention Tips and Statistics:

• Always swim in designated areas with lifeguards present. Only about 1% of drownings in Ontario occur under lifeguard supervision.
• Keep children within arm’s reach and never leave them unattended near water. Supervision lapses are a leading cause of child drownings (>90%).
• Avoid alcohol before or during swimming. A 2010 review by Ontario’s Chief Coroner found that 44% of all drowning deaths (39 of 89) involved alcohol, and among adults aged 15–64, the figure was even higher at 67%. 
• Wear life jackets when boating or swimming in open water, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Natural water, such as lakes and rivers, see about 69% of fatal drownings, with lakes alone accounting for approximately 48%.
• Know your limits and never dive into unfamiliar or shallow water.

First Aid & Treatment:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Check for breathing and responsiveness.
  • If unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR. Use this infographic to refresh your mind on this life-saving skill. 
  • If breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side), and monitor closely.
• Use an AED if available
  • These machines are designed to be used by untrained bystanders. Open and turn on the AED and follow the prompts. 
• Be prepared to treat for shock
  • The circulation system shuts down as a result of traumatic events. Ensure to keep the person warm and calm.

Consider taking a Canadian Red Cross CPR/AED course to feel confident responding to drowning emergencies.

Caught in the Sun? Here’s How to Prevent and Treat Sunburns Quickly and Effectively

Across Canada, including Ontario, about 33% of adults (12+) reported experiencing a sunburn last year. Teens (12–19 years) reported the highest sunburn rates at 43%, compared to just 10% among those aged 65.

Before heading for a beach day, ensure you have sun protection measures in place and know what to do should a sunburn occur. 

Prevention Tips and Statistics: 

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every 2 hours and after swimming. Currently, only 38-45% of Canadians report using sunscreen as a sun protection measure. 
• Wear UV-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Approximately 39% of Canadians say they wear a hat as part of their sun protection. 
• Avoid direct sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. During these hours, 17% of Canadians reported over 4 hours of sun exposure, and this group shows a higher amount of sunburn incidents. 
• Set up shade using umbrellas or tents. It is only about 41% of Canadians who indicate they seek shade as part of their sun protection plan. 

First Aid & Treatment: 

• Call 911 if:
  • The burn is full thickness ("3rd degree")
  • The person has difficulty breathing
  • The burn has blistered a significant portion of the body
• Move to a shaded or indoor area.
• Cool the burn using cold (not freezing) water for at least 10 minutes
  • Burns should be cooled until the burning sensation subsides 
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water.
• Wrap the burn with loose, dry dressings. 
• Do NOT use antibiotic ointment on burns (aloe vera and other burn gels/ointments are okay)
• Avoid further sun exposure until healed.
• Avoid popping blisters. If they break, clean the area and apply a sterile dressing.
• Seek medical attention if necessary.  

Don't Let Cuts Ruin Your Beach Fun: Prevention and First Aid Essentials

Beach injuries predominantly affect children under 16, with younger ones (0–10 years) sustaining more injuries in water than on land. Rough/choppy water and water-based play elevate injury risk.

However, injuries on land can still impact an otherwise fun beach day. Sand contact (digging, burying) can abrade skin, especially in high-sand areas near the shoreline.

There are easy ways to prevent and care for minor skin wounds when you are prepared.

Prevention & Statistics:

• Wear water shoes to protect feet from sharp rocks, glass, or shells. Lacerations and punctures—often from sharp debris or rough surfaces—are the most frequent beach-related wounds for children.
• Be cautious when handling beach gear, such as coolers or umbrellas. Around 8.2% of children sustained new abrasions within just one hour of playing at the beach.
• Clean hands before eating to reduce risk of infection from minor wounds. Open abrasions on beaches—particularly freshwater sites—are vulnerable to infection by waterborne pathogens (e.g., Vibrio vulnificus) and bacteria in sand or water.

First Aid & Treatment

• Wash your hands before treating the injury. Wear gloves if available and possible.
• Stop the bleeding with gentle pressure using a clean cloth.
• Rinse the wound with clean water to remove sand and debris.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.
• Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).

Keep a small first aid kit with waterproof bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gloves in your beach bag.

Quick Guide to Spinal Injury Prevention and First Aid in Aquatic Environments

Diving is the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in Canadian water settings. In Ontario, nearly 60% of recreation-related spinal injuries over a 35-year period were due to diving, averaging around 60 major spinal injuries annually, with around 90% resulting in complete or incomplete quadriplegia. Victims are predominantly aged 15–24 years and male.

Natural waters—lakes, docks, beaches—present a significant risk. In Quebec, about 49% of diving spinal cord injuries occurred in natural settings. Common causes include striking shallow bottoms, sandbars, or underwater structures.

To ensure the safety of everyone, be aware of the ways to prevent a spinal injury and what to do if one happens. 

Prevention & Statistics:

• Never dive headfirst into shallow or unfamiliar water. Residential pools are also hotspots: one study found 87% of pool-related spinal cord injuries occurred in private home pools, most by diving into less than 4 ft of water. 
  
• Watch for "No Diving" signs and heed all beach warnings. 
• Be cautious of rough waves or strong currents that can forcefully push swimmers underwater. Risk rises with smaller waves and outgoing tides. 
• Alcohol is a frequent contributing factor. Of the pool-related injuries mentioned above, alcohol was involved in approximately 49% of these cases. 

First Aid & Treatment: 

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger, such as face-down in the water
• Keep the person still and calm, stabilizing their head and neck if possible.
• If in water, support them until help arrives—ideally with multiple people for proper spinal alignment.
• If the person is not breathing, begin CPR immediately and get an AED

Training in spinal injury management is part of many Standard First Aid courses.

Stay Safe and Prepared This Summer

The top 3 beach-related injuries in Ontario are cuts & lacerations, sunburns, and drowning or near-drownings. 

Being prepared can turn a potential tragedy into a manageable situation. Whether you’re heading out with friends, family, or little ones, knowing a few basic first aid skills can give you peace of mind and help you act quickly in an emergency.

Located in Ontario? Our Canadian Red Cross-certified first aid courses cover drowning response, wound care, spinal injury management, and much more.

Contact us today to book your summer training session!