Drowning Prevention Week is taking place in Saskatchewan from July 18-25. The week is organized by the Lifesaving Society to educate the public about the hazards on, in and near the water. During the week, aquatic and recreational facilities across the province will host fun and educational activities and presentations to encourage water safety.
"We want to spread the message of water safety to everyone this summer - whether or not they plan to be at the lake or pool. In fact, statistics show that the majority of people who drown have no intention of going into the water," says Shelby Rushton, Chief Executive Officer of the Lifesaving Society.
"Drowning Prevention Week could not be more timely this year," adds Rushton. "In the last 30 days, at least six people have drowned in Saskatchewan." In addition, there have been several drowning incidents in recent weeks across the country.
Accounting for more than 500 fatalities each year, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in Canada for people under the age of 10. In Saskatchewan, an average of 20 drowning incidents occur each year and adult males are at the greatest risk of becoming drowning victims, reports the Lifesaving Society. The summer months of June, July, and August are typically the most dangerous for water-related incidents as people participate in swimming, fishing, and boating activities during this time.
"The Lifesaving Society encourages everyone to follow safety guidelines while in or around water this summer," says Rushton. "Remember to wear a lifejacket, to swim with a friend, to supervise children, and to keep boating and drinking alcohol apart."
If possible, swim where there is a trained lifeguard. In the last nine years, no drowning incidents occurred in public swimming pools where it is required by law to have a trained lifeguard on duty.
"Although it may look as though lifeguards just stand around and watch people, they are actually carefully scanning and observing patrons' activities, facial expressions and movements. They are looking for potential problems in order to prevent incidents from occurring. If an incident does occur, lifeguards have special training to deal with the situation," says Rushton.
For more information, contact Shelby Rushton at (306) 780-9255.
