93 percent of drowning deaths last year occurred in natural bodies of water in the Maritimes.
National Drowning Prevention Week is July 21st to July 27th, 2019.
The Lifesaving Society of Canada and Allstate Canada offering some tips on how to stay safe while enjoying the water.
They suggest assigning a responsible supervisor with strong water safety knowledge who is in charge at all times.
Since natural bodies of water have the highest rate of water accidents, it’s important to choose an area supervised by a lifeguard.
When boating, everyone should wear a flotation device and it’s also recommended for inexperienced swimmers in pools and other bodies of water.
With almost 500 Canadians drowning in
preventable water-related incidents annually,
drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional
death among Canadians under 60+ years of age.
Even one drowning is one too many. #NDPW2019 #Drowningstats pic.twitter.com/xgLIah6HVu— Lifesaving Society Canada / Société de sauvetage (@RLSSCanada) July 21, 2019
In 40 percent of boating-related fatalities, alcohol consumption is a factor.
The Lifesaving Society of Canada points out that lifejackets don’t work if you don’t wear them.
Not wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device was a factor in 88 percent of boating deaths.
