UNITY — Did you know drowning is the third leading cause of death in Canada? There have been recent sad news stories of drowning in Saskatchewan.
In conjunction with national Drowning Prevention Week, July 17 to 23, community swimming pools in Wilkie, Unity and Kerrobert are holding activities to help educate and engage swimmers on the dangers of drowning, and the importance of water safety.
The mission of Lifesaving Society Canada is to prevent drowning. More than 400 people drown annually in Canada
The Saskatchewan branch of the Lifesaving Society, in a release, states, “Statistics show that almost 70 per cent of drowning fatalities never intended to go into the water and were often within 15 metres of safety. Nearly every Canadian has known someone who has drowned or had a non-fatal drowning experience, whether personally or from his or her community.”
Community pools host week-long activity
Lifeguard teams at community pools are offering a number of activities through the week to engage swimmers in safety messages as well provide education on water safety while mixing in some fun activity for swimmers.
Unity Credit Credit Union Aquatic Centre lifeguards are holding a barbecue at the pool July 18, with funds towards purchasing additional lifejackets and equipment. July 19, they will have some fun with water guns and hosting a golf ball search activity. July 20, their will create some messages with sidewalk chalk as well as hosting a “Swim to Survive” challenge at evening swim. July 21, swimmers are encouraged to enjoy swim time with their own floaties, and the evening lifeguards will host a diving board activity. Surprise mock rescues will take place throughout the week so swimmers can see firsthand what lifeguards are trained to do. A colouring contest using water safety images will run all week.
At Wilkie Community Pool, the lifeguard team also has a variety of activities lined up that includes life jacket safety, a “Swim to Survive” challenge, water balloon fights, mock rescues and two weeklong contests with water safety messages.
Kerrobert swimming pool activity for the week will include lifeguards sharing daily safety messages as well as drawing for prizes each day. July 19 they will host a boating safety activity. July 20, lifeguards will host a learn-to-swim lifesaving activity, as well as a colouring contest and cake served on July 21. July 22, there will be an open water safety relay race.
Simple steps can help reduce drowning and include wearing a properly fitted life jacket when out on a boat and refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities. Being proactive with water activities can keep you and your family safe this summer.
