The Lifesaving Society’s National Drowning Prevention Week is July 20-26, 202.
It has been a bad year for drownings and water rescues in my part of Ontario: ten drownings so far, and I have lost count of the rescues that were sufficiently dramatic to make the news.
According to The Lifesaving Society, older adults are at highest risk of drowning, and that is the only group where numbers are increasing. Men and boys make up nearly 80% of the drowning victims. Indigenous peoples are at much higher risk, and drowning rates in the territories are about eight times higher than in the provinces.
What can we do? Lifesaving organizations have divided responsibilities to focus on different priorities: The Red Cross runs learn-to-swim programs on northern and Indigenous communities, while the Lifesaving Society teaches in the provinces.
Individually, we can wear lifejackets. Always when on a boat or SUP, and if you are not comfortable in the water. This one deserves its own paragraph!
We can support friends and family to ensure they take lessons (whether as cheerleaders, helping them navigate city programs to find suitable lessons, or assisting low-income people financially).
Recently, I bought a swim float for a friend who was feeling uncomfortable in open water but had resisted buying one. She now uses it every day, and her confidence (and endurance) is improving.
I also volunteered as a swim angel, swimming along with a participant at Bring on the Bay, a huge open water event in Ottawa. I have done it three times now and I love it!
World Drowning Prevention Day takes place on July 25. In honour of this global event, I’ll be wearing blue, using #DrowningPrevention on social media, and tagging the Lifesaving Society on social media.
Stay safe, everyone!
