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Edmonton, Alberta - July 13, 2016
National Drowning Prevention Week takes place across Canada from July 17-23, 2016. 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. National Drowning Prevention Week is a signature activation of the Water Smart® Campaign.
"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 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 need to be actively supervised when playing in, on or near water."
Barbara Costache, Chief Administrative Officer, Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch
"At the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner one of our primary roles is to determine cause of death. In the course of our work involving drowning incidents, we are all too often reminded that drowning is preventable by taking a few, relatively simple precautions. Learn to swim, wear a personal flotation device, avoid alcohol and drugs and learn basic CPR and rescue skills to keep you, your friends and family safe this summer."
Dr. Elizabeth Brooks-Lim, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Water Smart® community activations will be occurring across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Public presentations and social media will be broadcasting Water Smart® messages and education throughout National Drowning Prevention Week. Access the
social media plan.
- If you're not within arms' reach, you've gone too far. Always supervise children.
- Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. 26% of drowning deaths happen when swimming alone.
- Boat sober. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities.
- Choose It. Use It. Always wear a Lifejacket or PFD.
- Lifejackets don't work if you don't wear them. Not wearing a Lifejacket or PFD was a factor in 82% of boating deaths.
- Swim to Survive! Swimming is a life skill every child and adult should learn. Learning the essential skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water is a means to immunize against drowning.
- It's never too late to learn to swim: It can happen to you, adults drown too. Drowning among older adults is increasing.
For more information on National Drowning Prevention Week, or to schedule an interview with the Lifesaving Society, please contact:
Barbara Costache, Chief Administrative Officer
Office: 780.415.1755 | Mobile: 780.289.1792
Kelly Carter, Executive Director
Office: 780.415.1755
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