Here in cottage country, water sports reign supreme in the summer months. Whether it’s swimming, boating, water skiing or just splashing around, everyone loves taking advantage of our many lakes and rivers. However, its essential that everyone plays safe. A drowning can occur in as little as thirty seconds. There are approximately 450 drowning deaths in Canada each year and 150 of them are in Ontario alone. Last July, the province saw 4 drowning deaths in just 4 days. Last August, two people died after a canoe capsized on Legrou Lake in North Bay.
The Lifesaving Society is a national volunteer organization that provides programs, products and services designed to prevent drowning. That includes their Water Smart public education program, and they deliver water safety education throughout Canada and around the world. Below is water safety information courtesy of www.lifesavingsociety.com.
Boating and Lifejackets
Approximately 26% of drownings each year occur during boating activities, so it’s important to know the key things that keep you safe.
32% of drowning deaths happen when someone is swimming alone. Even a great swimmer can get into trouble in the water, which is why it is important to always have someone close by. A drowning can occur in as little as 10-30 seconds and is often silent. Distressed or injured victims will be panicked and call for help, however, true drowning non-swimmers rarely yell for help or splash at the surface. Since most drowning victims cannot swim, they are rarely at the surface of the water – most of the struggle occurs under the water. When drowning victims do surface, they are more focused on getting a breath than yelling for help.
Of course, NEVER leave kids unattended. In 96% of drowning deaths in children under five, supervision was absent or distracted. The Lifesaving Society has launched a new campaign to teach parents how to be Water Smart. The Water Smart Parents campaign aims to empower parents and others responsible for children to have fun and make memories while being safe around water.
The newly launched website watersmartparents.ca provides:
“Play and activity is important for children, including swimming, but children don’t often understand the dangers of water,” says Pamela Fuselli, President and CEO of Parachute, Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention. “We recommend layers of protection: supervision, wearing a life jacket/PFD in and around water, restricting access by a four-sided pool fence with a self-closing and latching gate, swimming lessons for both parents and kids, and training for parents in CPR/first aid.”
“The whole family needs to be prepared for any unexpected situation when they go boating including wearing properly fitted lifejackets for all family members and ensuring that their boat has all the required safety gear and sufficient fuel,” says Barbara Byers, spokesperson for the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC).
“When enjoying the lakes and rivers of Ontario expect the unexpected. No matter what your age, your swimming ability, or your proximity from shore, always where a lifejacket when out on the water,” says OPP Sgt. Dave Moffatt. “It could save your life.”
Boating and Lifejackets
Approximately 26% of drownings each year occur during boating activities, so it’s important to know the key things that keep you safe.
- All power craft boaters are required by law to carry a Personal Craft Operator Card (PCO).
- In 80% of boating deaths, boaters are not wearing lifejackets.
- Alcohol consumption is a factor in most boating deaths and accidents.
- Drinking and driving your boat can result in losing your driver’s licence.
32% of drowning deaths happen when someone is swimming alone. Even a great swimmer can get into trouble in the water, which is why it is important to always have someone close by. A drowning can occur in as little as 10-30 seconds and is often silent. Distressed or injured victims will be panicked and call for help, however, true drowning non-swimmers rarely yell for help or splash at the surface. Since most drowning victims cannot swim, they are rarely at the surface of the water – most of the struggle occurs under the water. When drowning victims do surface, they are more focused on getting a breath than yelling for help.
- If you see someone in distress, always call for help first. Do not jump into the water to save a drowning person unless you have the proper training (i.e. Bronze Medallion or higher), the victim could drown you in the process
- Most drownings occur less than 15 meters from safety, even a non-swimmer can perform a low-risk rescue such as talk, throw, reach, or wade.
- Always use a buoyant rescue aid
- Always keep the rescue aid between yourself and the victim.
- If preforming a wading assist, remember to stay in shallow water then reach or throw an aid to your victim.
Of course, NEVER leave kids unattended. In 96% of drowning deaths in children under five, supervision was absent or distracted. The Lifesaving Society has launched a new campaign to teach parents how to be Water Smart. The Water Smart Parents campaign aims to empower parents and others responsible for children to have fun and make memories while being safe around water.
The newly launched website watersmartparents.ca provides:
- A quiz for parents to test how much they know about being Water Smart
- Specific, actionable safety advice that anyone can use to keep their family safe –
“Play and activity is important for children, including swimming, but children don’t often understand the dangers of water,” says Pamela Fuselli, President and CEO of Parachute, Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention. “We recommend layers of protection: supervision, wearing a life jacket/PFD in and around water, restricting access by a four-sided pool fence with a self-closing and latching gate, swimming lessons for both parents and kids, and training for parents in CPR/first aid.”
“The whole family needs to be prepared for any unexpected situation when they go boating including wearing properly fitted lifejackets for all family members and ensuring that their boat has all the required safety gear and sufficient fuel,” says Barbara Byers, spokesperson for the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC).
“When enjoying the lakes and rivers of Ontario expect the unexpected. No matter what your age, your swimming ability, or your proximity from shore, always where a lifejacket when out on the water,” says OPP Sgt. Dave Moffatt. “It could save your life.” 
