National Drowning Prevention Week contains a key summer safety message
Being safe in and around the water this summer is the main safety message being shared during National Drowning Prevention Week which is being observed on July 19 to 25.
Melissa Shaw, Aquatic Superintendent for the City of Swift Current shared a series of valuable water safety tips during a presentation helping proclaim of the week of July 19 to 25 as National Drowning Prevention Week in Swift Current. She noted that the opening of Saskatchewan’s beaches and swimming pools has made the timing of the safety message is paramount.
“Unfortunately, as millions of Canadians take to the water, aquatic injuries and fatalities occur,” Shaw explained.
The latest national drowning report shared that approximately 400 Canadians die yearly, but that sobering statistic does not include the many people who were serious injured and narrowly missed a fatal ending to their aquatic experience.
“Studies show that these drownings happen for a variety of reasons. Ninety six per cent of children who drowned were swimming without supervision. Eighty eight per cent of young adults who drowned were boating without a PFD (personal floatation device). Sixty per cent of adults who drowned, drowned when they were a weak swimmer and did not know how to swim. The greatest tragedy is that all of these accidents were preventable.”
The Lifesaving Society of Canada has developed a water smart campaign in recognition of the hundreds of lives which could be saved every year in Canada. The week is a reminder that tragedy happens in seconds and that prevention needs to be taken seriously every time you are around the water.
The Fairview Pool will be hosting a series of special event to promote water awareness during the week of July 19 to 26. These events include a colouring contest, social media information, along with theme days at the pool including “Watch me, not your phone”, boat smart, swim with a buddy, and PFD day.
There is also a key opportunity on July 22 to test your own water safety ability.
“Similar to years past we challenge everyone in the community to come and try the Swim to Survive Standard, which is a roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and then swim for 50 metres on Wednesday, July 22.”
During Shaw’s presentation she encouraged all area residents to be aware of the impact of water safety when utilizing nearby bodies of water including the Fairview Pool, the Swift Current Creek, Lac Pelletier, Duncairn Dam, Saskatchewan Landing, and all surrounding bodies of water. Those in and on the water should be aware of the depth of the water, water currents, weather forecasts, and where designated swimming areas are.
“Beyond swimming with a buddy, we encourage all parents and guardians to put their cellphones down and remember to watch small children and weak swimmers while around water.”
Shaw shared her own harrowing experience with her own daughter during swimming lessons in 2019.
“Last year during swimming lessons my own daughter let go of the edge. She quickly sunk to the bottom of the pool. Thankfully the lifeguard saw her sinking and quickly pulled her to the top. There was no screaming, no splashing - just a little girl sinking. The ending for us was a lesson in not to let go of the edge and to listen to your instructor. But the reality is is that drowning is silent and only takes a moment.”
She also reminded boaters to correctly wear a properly fitting PFD, not just having them in the boat to sit on. Boaters should also tell people where they are going and an approximate return time so that if something does happen that family and friends do know where to start looking.
Shaw pointed out that because of the restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Swift Current will not be offering summer swimming lessons this summer.
“We’ve made the decision not to offer swimming lessons for the summer. After weighing the restrictions, the requirements, we’ve decided to hold off until the fall to move forward with anything.”
For more information about the Fairview Pool summer schedule or National Drowning Prevention Week activities, contact the Fairview Pool 306-778-2735 or visit www.swiftcurrent. ca/aquatic.