NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
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The Town of Bradford is proud to join communities across Canada in proclaiming July 21 to 27, 2024 as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW).
This weeklong event, organized by the Lifesaving Society, aims to raise awareness about drowning prevention and promote water safety.
Drowning is a major problem in Canada, with over 450 fatalities each year. The United Nations has also recognized the global impact of drowning by establishing July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day. National Drowning Prevention Week provides an opportunity to focus media and community attention on this preventable tragedy.
During NDPW, the Lifesaving Society urges everyone to take the following precautions to stay safe around water:
- Supervise children in and around the water. Children should always be watched closely when they are near or in water.
- Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and co-ordination, increasing the risk of drowning.
- Wear a life-jacket when boating. Life-jackets save lives by keeping you afloat and providing buoyancy.
“Ensuring the safety of children and teens in our community is a collective effort that involves parents, family members, and the support of our lifeguards,” says James Leduc, mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury. “Safety supervision is an active and proactive effort that develops over time. Learning to swim is a positive start in the right direction, but it’s not enough on its own. Ongoing vigilance and education are key.”
Throughout the week, Bradford West Gwillimbury will host a series of events and activities to promote water safety, including educational workshops, swimming lessons, and interactive social media campaigns. Residents are encouraged to participate and learn more about how to stay safe in and around the water.
For more information about National Drowning Prevention Week and the scheduled activities, please contact Cortnee Andrade at [email protected].
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