Recently, my colleague Cathy Cox, Minister of Sustainable Development proclaimed July 17th to 23rd Drowning Prevention Week.
Raising awareness across the province helps bring attention to boating and water safety practices, helps reduce drowning, and promotes the safe enjoyment of our many pools and beautiful lakes and beaches.
Our government recently expanded the “Lifejacket Loaner” program, which offers the use of free lifejackets to swimmers and boaters at a number of beaches and lakes in our provincial parks. According to the latest Manitoba Drowning Report the highest drowning death rate is among children under five years of age.
To parents and caregivers, remember to supervise your children responsibly, please keep a close eye on them and always keep your children within arm’s reach as drowning can happen in the blink of an eye. To adults, always swim with a buddy, always swim sober, and when you’re out boating always wear a lifejacket.
STARS Air Ambulance representatives were on hand at the proclamation announcement, where Lifesaving Society staff and volunteers demonstrated elements of the Society’s Swim to Survive Program. It includes; pushing your way to the surface after a disoriented entry, treading water for one minute, and swimming 50 metres. Research shows if Canadians could do these three skills we could reduce drownings by as much as 90 percent.
