Description:
Big Lakes County in conjunction with the Town of High Prairie has proclaimed July 21 – 27, 2019 as National Drowning Prevention Week.
Canada faces a significant problem – and a preventable one: Almost 500 people die every year from drowning. National Drowning Prevention Week is a campaign that is initiated through the Lifesaving Society. Since 1896 this national Society has been teaching water safety and water rescue to Canadians through their education and training programs.
To promote this week, the High Prairie Aquatic Centre is hosting the following events:
Swim to Survive
Visit the High Prairie Aquatic Centre and enter for a chance to win a free lesson of the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive. Lessons will run on July 22 and 24, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free Public Swim
Sign the Water Safety Pledge and enjoy a free swim on Thursday, July 25, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Statistics
These statistics are from the Canadian Drowning Report – 2018 Edition.
- With almost 500 Canadians drowning in preventable water-related incidents annually, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60+ years of age. Even one drowning is one too many.
- The age groups with the highest risk of drowning are young adults 20-34 years of age, baby boomers 50-64 years of age and seniors over 65 years of age. Children under the age of 5 are also at risk.
- 79% of drowning victims are male, especially those between 20-34 years of age.
Water Safety Tips
- Watch me, not your phone. Always actively supervise children around the water – if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
- Be Boat Smart – Wear a Lifejacket. Choose It. Use It. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
- Learn to Swim to Survive. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water?
- Swim with a buddy. Make smart choices before going into or out on the water.
- Know your limits. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impairs judgment, reflexes and balance. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
- Be Water Smart all year round. You can save a life – yours and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.