July 25 is World Prevention Drowning Day
PRINCE GEORGE — Today is World Drowning Prevention Day and government officials are reminding everyone to stay safe as more folks take to the water this summer.
Minister of Health Adrian Dix said in a statement today that about 500 Canadians drown in preventable water-related incidents every year and drowning is the most common cause of unintentional death among children aged one to four.
Children can drown in as little as 2.5 centimetres of water in a matter of second and almost half of all drownings in Canada occur in backyard swimming pools. The Minister said that drowning is a very real concern to BC communities and it is important for everyone to be aware of their abilities and surroundings, and to plan accordingly. Ensuring that you wear a working personal flotation device or PFD whenever you are on the water is important.
