National Drowning Prevention Week is taking place now until Saturday. This year’s theme is “Safer Together,” and it focuses on how working as a team can help stop drowning. The Lifesaving Society wants everyone to know that simple choices can make a big difference in keeping people safe around water.
Stephanie Bakalar from the Lifesaving Society in Ontario says this year’s message is about easy steps anyone can take. She says swimming with a friend is always better than swimming alone, and wearing a lifejacket is much safer than just keeping it nearby. She adds that small actions like these can help make sure your day on the water ends safely.
All across Ontario, the Lifesaving Society and its partners are sharing safety messages to remind people that drowning can be prevented when we work together.
There are some serious reasons why this message is important. In Ontario, all drowning deaths of children under five happened when no one was watching or the adult was distracted. Most older adults who drowned were swimming alone. Almost all people who died in boating accidents were not wearing lifejackets. Very few drownings happen in places where lifeguards are on duty.
To stay safe, the Lifesaving Society reminds people to always keep a close watch on children near water and never leave them alone. Swimming with someone else is safer than being alone, especially if your swimming partner has first aid skills. The safest places to swim are where lifeguards are on duty. Wearing a lifejacket while boating or even when swimming is a good way to stay safe, especially for people who don’t swim well. Everyone, no matter their age, can take swimming lessons. The Swim for Life® program offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, including adults who may be nervous to learn.
People can also learn how to help others by taking lifesaving courses like Bronze Medallion or Swim to Survive+. These programs teach skills that can help save lives in emergencies.
For more information, visit the Lifesaving Society’s website or contact their Ontario branch.
Written by: C. Soares