Randi-Marie Adams

By Randi-Marie Adams

Water safety

Drowning Prevention Week

Jul 19, 2022 | 4:38 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The third week of July is designated as Drowning Prevention Week and with the warmer weather upon us, it’s important to keep as safe as you can when you’re out in the water.

“Over the years we’ve seen that is when we see the highest number of drownings, both in B.C. and across Canada,” explains Dale Miller, executive director for the Lifesaver Society. “So it’s a really good chance to just remind everyone of the safety messages.”

To date, there have been 16 drownings in BC compared to 26 at the same time in 2021. The mission of the Lifesaving Society is prevention and we are aiming for zero drownings as we know they are all preventable.

“We’re aiming for zero. And, you know, unfortunately, this time of year, we see more drownings. And I mean, the weather’s going to change here,” explains Miller “You know, everybody’s going to be looking to be out on the water, either on a boat or on the beach, so it’s a really good time to just remind everybody of how to stay safe around the water.”

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In Canada, over 400 people drown annually, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children and the third leading cause of unintentional death for adults. In particular, Indigenous, northern and new Canadians have disproportionately high drowning rates.

Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this summer;

• Supervise Children. Always directly supervise children around the water.
• Boating Safety. Choose it. Use it. Always wear a life jacket when in a boat.
• Learn to Swim. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety.
• Stay Sober In, On, and Around the Water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in many water-related fatalities.
• Open Water Safety. Make smart choices before going in, on, or around the water.

Another key component is swimming lessons, Jim Worthington, who is the manager at the Prince George Aquatic Centre says, this is a good skill to learn and is something that can prevent drowning deaths in Canada.

“August 2 is when we’re releasing our Fall Swimming Lesson program, so I’d encourage you to go online, [and] register for swimming lessons,” explains Worthington. “That’s really a good way to get your child while learning how to swim and promoting water safety as is by taking swimming lessons here at the pool.”