Few duos are as iconic as summertime and swimming. Maybe campfires and s’mores.
But as families and friends flock to the water, Dean Klassen and Brooke Animalla with the RCU Aquatic Centre are reminding people that though playing mermaids in the water is fun, it’s important to remember to stay safe out there.
The reason being, is that it’s National Drowning Prevention Week.
This is the time of year that drownings are most common across Canada, typically from May through August, according to Klassen.
The rural challenge
Drownings are disproportionately more common in rural regions, where water safety education can be limited and natural water bodies tend to lack supervision.
Because of that, Klassen stressed the importance of caution while on the water, and why the week is observed at the Centre.
“To highlight and kind of bring attention to that. Specifically in Winkler, in an area surrounded by rural areas, it’s really important to us.”
Unlike pools, which are typically monitored by trained lifeguards, many lakes, rivers, and dugouts are unguarded. Klassen said that the lack of life jackets and unsupervised swimming, especially when children are involved, are all contributing factors in these incidents.
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Safety tips for water trips
Brooke Animalla offered a few simple but helpful reminders for those heading to the lake this summer that could make all the difference.
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Always wear a life jacket when boating or swimming in open water.
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Never go alone: whether you're a child or an adult, always have someone with you.
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Avoid alcohol while boating or swimming, as it increases the risk of accidents.
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Make sure everyone on board has access to properly fitted life jackets.
As part of the RCU Aquatic Centre’s observation of National Drowning Prevention, they held their ‘Swim Smart’ event earlier this week to help educate families on the importance of water safety.
Following their sage advice, beach and pool outings can stay fun, relaxed, and most importantly, safe.
- photo provided by RCU Aquatic Centre