By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

more than 400 deaths annually

Tips and recognition for National Drowning Prevention Week

Jul 19, 2021 | 2:50 PM

The Ponoka Aquaplex is recognizing National Drowning Prevention Week from July 18-24.

More than 400 Canadians die from drowning yearly, and in incidents that are usually preventable. Drowning is the third leading cause of death in Canada, according to The Lifesaving Society of Canada – Alberta and NWT branch.

Activities planned at the Aquaplex this week include:

– A daily ‘Swim to Survive’ skills challenge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every day from Monday to Saturday. Participants who complete the challenge will receive a Canadian Swim to Survive Certificate and bracelet.

– A Toonie Swim on Wednesday, July 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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– A Colouring Contest that will be held until Saturday, July 24. Safety colouring sheets will be available on the Town website at www.ponoka.ca starting on Monday, July 19. Click ‘Aquaplex’ under ‘Popular Pages’, then click ‘Safety Colouring Sheets’. Colouring sheets can also be picked up from the Aquaplex. Completed colouring sheets should be handed in at the Aquaplex by 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 24. Completed colouring sheets must include the age of the participant, their name and a contact phone number written on the back of the sheet to be eligible for the colouring contest. Three lucky winners, one from each age category, will be contacted to win a prize.

Further data from The Lifesaving Society of Canada shows almost 70 per cent of those who drown never intended to go in the water and were often within 15 metres of safety.

Canadians are encourage to:

· Take the Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive® Standard (which teaches how to survive an unexpected fall into the water) and participate in a learn-to-swim program

· Wear a properly fitted lifejacket when out on a boat

· Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities

· Ensure that children are under the direct supervision of an adult when around barrier-free bodies of water

The City of Red Deer also issued a proclamation for National Drowning Prevention Week

More information is at lifesaving.org.