Summer is the best season to spend swimming at a lake or swimming pool. In Moose Jaw there is a variety of swimming pools and surrounding lakes to choose from. During National Drowning Prevention Week, as well as through the summer months here in Saskatchewan, it is important to recognize the dangers that go along with swimming.
The Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan is working in conjunction with the Saskatchewan RCMP and the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service is using this week to remind the public to use caution around our province’s waterways. They are working to encourage safety on the water.
These organizations are sharing water safety tips to prevent drowning as part of the Lifesaving Society’s annual awareness campaign, National Drowning Prevention Week, which started on July 17, 2022, and continues until July 23, 2022.
“The Lifesaving Society is a national, registered charity in Canada and our mission is to prevent drowning and water-related injury,” shares Shelby Rushton, Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan CEO. “Even one drowning is too many. Over four hundred people drown annually in Canada, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children and the third leading cause of unintentional death for adults. We all must do our part to stay safe on the water.”
“Each year Saskatchewan RCMP officers respond to reports of sudden deaths as a result of drowning. This may be RCMP Detachment officers and potentially the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team responding to calls for police assistance,” says Cpl. Jamie Diemert with the Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team. “If you are unfamiliar with the waterways, you are going in, on, or near, ask a local person about water conditions and concerns, and always wear a life jacket. If you are going out on the water alone in a boat, remember to let someone know when you will return.”
"Most drowning deaths reported to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service for investigation are preventable,” said Chief Coroner Clive Weighill. “Simple steps can be taken to prevent drownings such as always wearing a life jacket, swimming with a buddy, not consuming alcohol or drugs before swimming or operating a boat/canoe, and being mindful of inclement weather moving in which may pose hazards to your safety in the water."
The Lifesaving Society is asking all Saskatchewan citizens and visitor’s from out of the province to follow these rules to stay safe when in, on, or near water:
• Lifejackets or personal floatation devices (PFD) are to be worn during all boating activities.
• If you are a weak or a non-swimmer a lifejacket or PFD should be worn. Currents and waves are dangerous, even in shallow water. A lifejacket or PFD will also assist swimmers in keeping their heads above water if they unexpectedly walk off or drop off in the water.
• Young children must be supervised at all times when they are near or in the water.
• Children six years of age and under should always stay in arms-reach of their parents.
• Know your limits. Non-swimmers and weak swimmers should stay in shallow water.
• Swim or boat with a buddy and always let someone on shore know where you are and where you are going.
For more information on National Drowning Prevention Week and for more water safety tips go to the Lifesaving Society’s website at https://www.lifesavingsociety.sk.ca/home.
