As National Drowning Prevention Week nears, the key message from Lifesaving Society Ontario is simple but can’t be overstated: drowning is preventable.
Society communications manager Stephanie Bakalar says while there’s an increase in drownings from May through October, water safety must be on people’s radar year-round. She adds no one is immune to having a problem in the water, be it a pool, lake, river or pond.
One simple thing that people can do to keep themselves safe is wear a lifejacket when boating. Bakalar says that’s not always the case and, all too often, there are tragic consequences.
Two drownings in Peterborough in June – one involving an international student – brought home the dangers of swimming in natural bodies of water. Bakalar says society data shows that new Canadians are four times more likely to drown than someone who was born here.
Bakalar adds swimming alone is never a good idea, particularly by older people who may have a medical problem while in the water and need immediate help.
Visit lifesavingsociety.com/drowning-research.aspx for more information on those who at high risk of drowning and tips to stay safe. National Drowning Week is recognized from July 21 to 27.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
