NORTH BATTLEFORD — One drowning is too many.
Recent stories in the province of tragedies involving drowning highlight the importance of National Drowning Prevention Week awareness and education.
“The city will be formally proclaiming National Drowning Prevention Week July 21-27,” says Stacey Hadley, deputy city manager and city clerk.
“Additionally, the Co-op Aquatic Centre is hosting a full week of activities in recognition of the importance of this week.”
The Battleford Co-op Aquatic Centre offers daily water safety activities and lessons.
July 22 from 6-8 p.m., Battleford Coop Aquatic Centre will host a water safety camp and participants must sign up online or by calling 445-1745.
July 23 from 2-4 p.m. Swim to Survive challenge, come for a swim and ask the lifeguard to participate.
July 24 – Water safety presentation for everyone present at the pool between 2 and 6 p.m.
July 25 – All-day swimmers can take part in a water memory game, come for a swim, and ask a lifeguard to participate
July 26 From 12 – 2 p.m. Free swimming lessons are provided but must sign up online or call the pool.
In Saskatchewan, over the last decade, an infographic from the 2024 Drowning Report for the province provided by the Lifesaving Society/Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada, states that Saskatchewan has seen an average of about 24 drowning deaths per year, with 53 per cent of those occurring in a lake or pond and 27 per cent in a river.
Shelby Rushton, Chief Executive Officer for the Lifesaving Society, Saskatchewan Branch says, “This is the Lifesaving Society’s flagship public education campaign for drowning prevention. We encourage community swimming pools to participate in this event along with the Lifesaving Society.”
Toolkits with activity ideas have been sent to our Affiliates from the Branch Office in Regina.
“This week is important to remind people of how to safely enjoy aquatic activities such as canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, and waterskiing by being water smart. Wear a lifejacket, swimming with a buddy, and watching children closely are all things we can do to stay safe in, on, and around the water.”
The biggest risk factors continue to be not wearing a life jacket, alcohol consumption, being alone, and being a weak swimmer.
Also, a firm reminder that just running out to help if you’re not a trained rescuer is not a good idea because it could result in you being a victim yourself.
Anyone heading out on the water is urged not to become complacent when it comes to simple safety measures like life jackets.
Accidents do happen. A person may not resurface for a number of reasons, which are non-preventable such as hitting their head on a boat or a rock, cold water response, getting stuck on or under weeds or a tree or even getting caught in undertows or currents.
Parents are also cautioned to monitor their children on inflatable toys because the wind can push them away from shore and they could end up floating away.
Simple steps can help reduce drowning and include wearing a properly fitted life jacket when out on a boat and refraining from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities. Being proactive with water activities can keep you and your family safe this summer.
Drowning knows no age, skill, language, or culture.
The main themes to be emphasized during this public education week include:
Supervise children, if you are not within arm’s reach, you are too far. Keep phone distractions away while watching kids at a pool or lake.
Boating safety. Always wear a lifejacket and stay sober when in, on, or around the water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in many water-related fatalities.
Learn to swim. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety. Could you survive a sudden or unexpected fall into the water?
Learn lifesaving skills as you could help save a life. Drowning knows no age, skill, language, or culture. Swim with care and stay prepared. Caution in or near the water is never overrated.
