Stay safe on the water this summer. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Drowning prevention

Water safety urged during Drowning Prevention Week

Jul 21, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Stay safe on the water while having fun this summer.

We are in the middle of Drowning Prevention Week in Canada, which runs July 19 to 25.

Melfort Ambulance Manager Wayne Therres told northeastNOW drowning prevention is vital to mention during the summer months, as an average of 250 Canadians die per year in preventable water-related incidents.

One of the major reasons for preventable drownings is alcohol. Therres said sober boating is essential, and canoes and paddleboats are included.

“Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40 per cent of boating-related fatalities,” Therres said. Canadians now need a boating licence, and Therres said the course teaches you how to boat safe and sober, with all of the proper equipment including life jackets.

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Therres said there are drowning incidents closer to shore as well, and some involve kids.

“If you’re not within arms’ reach of your children, you’ve gone too far,” Therres said. “You need to make sure you always supervise them.”

Life jackets are crucial in ensuring safety in the water, but Therres said they don’t do anything if people refuse to wear them. He said national statistics show that 80 per cent of boating deaths are related to the person not wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device. Therres added it’s important to wear the proper size of life jacket as well.

Therres said many lakes are still offering lifesaving or swimming lessons this summer, but they are limiting the number of people in each class as a COVID-19 precaution.

The buddy system is also important to stay safe while in the water, according to Therres. He said taking swimming lessons is important to be able to swim to survive.

Martin Forcier, president of Livesaving Society Canada, said in a news release that “As we all wish for a drowning-free Canada, what unites us is drowning and water-related injuries prevention.”

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974