Summertime is for swimming- and safety
Everyone wants to jump in the pool when the weather gets hot, and the Lifesaving Society of Quebec (Société de sauvetage du Québec) is making sure that everyone does so safely.
We have just begun the 24th edition of the national drowning prevention week, organized by the Lifesaving Society right before the construction holidays. This isn’t a coincidence, said Marie-philip Roy-lasselle, coordinator of public education and events, as those two weeks are often hot and people want to plan activities around water.
“We focus on promoting safe behaviors around four areas,” she explained. “First is in pools at home, then there’s public pools, safety while navigating, and finally safety while on a river or other body of water.”
The Lifesaving Society recommends following safety tips in each circumstance. At home, make sure that the pool and surrounding area conforms to the local municipalities’ safety regulations, and that children are well supervised at all times. In public pools or beaches, make sure to follow all established rules. While boating, the society urges not to drink alcohol, as they said “one on the water is worth three on land” due to dehydration and sun exposure.
When it comes to being safe while out on a river, Roy-lasselle said planning is key:
“When it is nice out, people tend to pack up and go on a whim,” she commented. “We tell people to inform others of their plans, tell them when they leave, give an idea of their route, where they are going. Inspect your boat before leaving. Is everything safe?”
“The number one thing we preach is to wear a lifejacket,” said Roy-lasselle. “You never know when an accident can happen. If you trip and fall, you’ll be happy to be wearing it.”
Residents of Lennoxville will know that when the temperature rises, many Bishop’s University students cool off by floating down the St-francis river. Though it has become a ritual of sorts, Roy-lasselle hinted that it is less than recommended.
“When people go to lakes and rivers they become more reckless,” she laughed. “They don’t think. They should take all kinds of factors into account. Are there falls nearby? Dams? Are there any shallows, and thus, strong currents? And of course, they should always wear lifejackets.”
Again, drinking should be avoided around water. According to the Lifesaving Society, 30% of annual drowning incidents in Quebec are due to alcohol consumption.
“So far there have been 27 deaths due to drowning,” added Roy-lasselle. “Last year there were 28.”
She urges citizens to consult their municipality to see where it is safe to swim, as well as what regulations are in regards to proper nautical safety.
“There are organizations in place to make sure what is safe and what isn’t,” she said. “Respect the rules of your municipality. Look for signs put up near rivers that tell you the quality of the water and how strong the currents are.”
Roy-lasselle adds that lifeguarding and first aid training are available at nautical centers and public pools.
“Even if they don’t give the course directly, they will know where you can go. When in doubt, check your local municipality for information.”
“Towns are getting more and more involved in water safety,” added Roy-lasselle. “They are making sure that pools conform to safety regulations. They are bringing attention to the issue.”
For national drowning prevention week, the Lifesaving Society is organizing free awareness activities all across Quebec from July 15 to July 22. Roy-lasselle again points to local public pools for citizens to get involved. The campaign includes teaching how to recognize signs of distress and how to intervene, how to analyze a swimming area, and many others.
For more information, as well as many other nautical safety tips, visit www.societedesauvetage.org or www.baignadeparfaite.com.