High drowning toll prompts plea for public safety
By Contributor
Four drownings and eight near drownings in B.C. over the past few weekends has prompted the Canadian Red Cross to renew its plea for caution in, on or around water.
“As an organization dedicated to swimming and water safety training for over 60 years, it’s heart-breaking to see the agony now facing families and friends,” said Derek Mahoney, first aid and water safety representative for the Canadian Red Cross. “This number of deaths is both tragic and alarming to us because drownings are predictable and preventable.” Each year, over 400 Canadians drown … and half of them die in June, July and August. “Over half of drownings in summer involve boating activities, which underscores how vitally important it is that anyone setting foot in a pleasure craft be wearing an approved and properly-fitted life-jacket at all times,” Mahoney added. “Our goal, and that of our partners in water safety, is to get the number of drowning deaths down to zero.”
Who is at risk for drowning? Boating is the most frequent activity leading to drowning in Canada; Aquatic activities (swimming, wading, or playing near unprotected water such as swimming pools) are the second-most frequent activities leading to drowning; Adult males and children are the most vulnerable to drowning. Most drowning victims are males between 15 and 74 years of age; next are children aged one to four years.
How to avoid water-related injuries? Boat smart! Always wear your lifejacket or personal flotation device. Water and alcohol don’t mix. Don’t drink while swimming or boating. Ensure home pools are fenced (not just around the property) and the gate access is fitted with a self-closing and self-latching mechanism. Supervision of children is key, whether at home or on vacation. If you head to a cottage by a lake, or even your local pool, adult supervision is the best protection for children – even those who can swim. Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if you get into trouble. Get trained. Take swimming and water safety lessons; get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card if you operate a boat; know how to respond in an emergency by taking first aid lessons. Anyone can drown in less time than it takes to read these tips. Each year, Canadian Red Cross trains more than one million Canadians to be safe around water. The Canadian Red Cross has been a leader in water safety in Canada for the past 60 years; in that time, drowning rates in Canada have decreased by more than half.
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