With sunshine and high temperatures in the forecast, the pool or the beach is a great place to hang out and cool off. However, it's important to remember water safety to ensure the day is the best it can be.

Altona Aquatic Centre head supervisor Stacey Braun gives advice on safe behaviour.

"When kids are visiting our facility, the lifeguards are there to watch every child in the pool, but that also means the guardian or parent that they're there with should also be watching them and keeping them within arm's reach," said Braun.

To avoid injury, Braun suggests walking on the pool deck rather than running, not diving into shallow waters, taking swimming lessons, and wearing a life jacket.

Not just any life vest will do, though; there are certain recommendations to follow. Braun said a proper and safe life jacket is one that is approved by a governing organization in Canada, such as Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard. Also, the jacket should be the appropriate weight and length of the user, which is indicated on the jacket's label. While personal floatation devices can also be helpful, Braun said a life vest is the best choice as if will flip the user on his or her head, keeping them above the water.

Overall, Braun said parents should familiarize their child with water before heading into deep waters.