The draw of water can be irresistible in the hot dog days of a prairie summer, and the staff at North Battleford Kinsmen Aquatic Centre want that cooling dip to be a safe one for everyone this summer.
Drowning Prevention Week is Jul 16-23 and on behalf of Life Saving Society Saskatchewan Branch, the Aquatic Centre is hosting a number of activities, educational presentations and demonstrations for the entire family.
"Every year, there are incidents that take place in and near our water and because we are drawn to water for rest and recreation, we need to ensure we are safe and prevent injuries," said Kinsmen Aquatic Centre Supervisor, Patrick Eckerman.
Eckerman says the Swim to Survive Challenge is among one of the many activities for participants during Drowning Prevention Week from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. every day. The challenge is intended to prepare a swimmer to survive an inadvertent entry into water. Participant receive certificates from the Lifesaving Society Saskatchewan Branch.
"We want to expose as many people as we can to the Swim to Survive Challenge. In fact, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 18, every person will be admitted to the Aquatic Centre for only $1 to promote the event," said Eckerman.
Other activities throughout the week include: water polo, tug-o-war, Safe or Sorry, tread water contest, whirl pool activities, colouring contests and face painting. Eckerman says the family rate for Drowning Prevention Week has been reduced to $10 all week.
"We want to encourage others to be safe in and around the water. You lead by example when you participate in activities like the Swim to Survive Challenge. Let's all be safe and enjoy the rest of the summer."
