By The Lifesaving Society AB and NWT Branch

deaths can be avoided

National Drowning Prevention Week

Jul 20, 2020 | 11:26 AM

National Drowning Prevention Week is a signature activation of the Lifesaving Society’s Water Smart^® Campaign. During this week, the Lifesaving Society aims to increase awareness of the need for drowning prevention and remind people to make Water Smart^® choices while in, on and around the water.

“Water-related fatalities are preventable. Canadians drown while involved in a wide range of activities and in a variety of aquatic settings that range from lakes, backyard pools to bathtubs. Many times, people don’t even intend to be in the water, they are simply playing near the water or are boating. The major risk factors in water-related deaths include alcohol consumption, not wearing a lifejacket, poor swimming ability, and boating or swimming alone. Children always need to be actively supervised when playing in, on or near water.”

Kelly Carter, Executive Director, Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch

The Water Smart^®messages below were selected because of the major risk factors presented in the 2020 Alberta Drowning Infographic:

• Drowning is Preventable – Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
• Watch me, not your phone – Always actively supervise children around the water – distractions are deadly.
• Be Boat Smart – Wear a Lifejacket. Choose It. Use It. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
• Learn to Swim to Survive – Everyone should have the right to learn swim survival skills. If you don’t know how to swim take a Swim to Survive class.
• Swim with a buddy – Take a buddy and look out for each other, it’s what friends do.
• Know your limits – Stay sober when in, on or around the water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impairs judgment, reflexes and balance.
• 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.

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The Lifesaving Society recently received an illuminating report, the first of its kind, that provides a detailed analysis on the issue of fatal drowning across the Commonwealth, with addition information on both strategic and practical, achievable measures.

The most recent figures estimate Commonwealth drowning fatalities number 110,594, accounting for over a third of all fatal drownings globally.