NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
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Despite the downward trend, drowning is still the third leading cause of death in Canada.
Drowning is preventable and even one drowning is one too many. Join the Lifesaving Society Canada in raising awareness throughout National Drowning Prevention Week (July 17 to 23).
Over 400 people drown annually in Canada, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children and the third leading cause of unintentional death for adults. In particular, Indigenous, northern and new Canadians have a disproportionately high mortality burden.
Statistics also show that almost 70 per cent of drowning fatalities never intended to go into the water and were often within 15 metres of safety. Nearly every Canadian has known someone who has drowned or had a non-fatal drowning experience.
The drowning burden is so great around the world that the United Nations General Assembly passed the UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention (A/75/L.76) and named July 25 of each year as World Drowning Prevention Day.
Throughout National Drowning Prevention Week, the Lifesaving Society of Canada will be educating, promoting, and raising awareness on water safety.
To help reduce drowning, all Canadians are encouraged to:
- Take the Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive Standard (teaches how to survive an unexpected fall into the water) and participate in a learn-to-swim program.
- Wear a properly fitted lifejacket when out on a boat.
- Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities.
- Ensure that children are under the direct supervision of an adult when around barrier-free bodies of water.
The majority of drownings are preventable in a Water Smart community. Join Bradford Lions Aquatic Centre to participate in various activities at the pool and on social media to help make you a Water Smart community. For details, visit bwgleisurecentre.ca/ndpw or call 905-775-PLAY (7529).
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