July and August mean sunny skies, busy beaches and lots of people out on the water. While rivers, lakes, and oceans may provide a way to escape the heat this summer, July and August also see a spike in drowning rates.
It only takes seconds to drown and most incidents are silent and unexpected, a far cry from the splashing and dramatic screams of Baywatch. A submersion incident where water has entered the lungs can cause complications – and even death- up to 72 hours after a swimmer has struggled in the water.
National Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) – the third week of July – is an annual initiative of the Lifesaving Society aimed at reducing the number of water-related fatalities and drowning incidents by promoting water safety messages in the community.
Drowning is Preventable. Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many. So how can you keep yourself and others safe?
• Watch me, not your phone. Always directly supervise children around the water – if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
• Be Boat Smart – Wear a Lifejacket. Choose It. Use It. Always wear a Lifejacket or PFD when in a boat.
• Learn to Swim to Survive. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water?
• Open Water Safety and Swim with a Buddy. Make smart choices before going into or out on the water.
• Know your limits. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost many boating-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impaired judgment, reflexes and balance. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
• Be Water Smart all year round. You can save a life, yours and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.
Resources to Learn More
- The Lifesaving Society
- Red Cross Canada
- How to Swim to Survive
- How to Choose the Right Life Jacket
- Drowning Report – National 2019 Edition