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Residents are being encouraged to make water safety a priority as Drowning Prevention Week runs from July 19 to 25, reminding everyone that every drowning death is preventable.
The week highlights a different safety message each day, including active supervision, open water safety, swimming with a buddy, lifejacket and boating safety, rescue awareness, and Drowning Prevention Day.
Norfolk County says learning to swim is one of the best ways to stay safe around the water. Swimming lessons help children, teens and adults build the skills needed to survive if they unexpectedly end up in deep water.
Residents are also reminded to always swim with a buddy, wear a properly fitted lifejacket while boating, and enter unfamiliar water slowly to avoid hidden hazards. Parents and caregivers should stay within arm’s reach of young children whenever they are in or near the water, as drowning can happen silently in as little as 10 seconds.
The Lifesaving Society is also encouraging Canadians to support mandatory lifejacket use on recreational boats six metres or less in length, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small powerboats. The organization says most boating deaths in Canada involve people who were not wearing a lifejacket.
Anyone looking for more information about water safety can contact Norfolk County’s Water Safety Promoter or learn more through the Lifesaving Society and Transport Canada’s boating safety resources.
To learn more about water safety:
https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/recreation/swimming-pools-and-splash-pads/water-safety/
Call: 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 2233
Email: water.safetypromoter@norfolkcounty.ca
