Lifesaving Society Manitoba is urging the public not to swim alone.
Executive Director Lynne Stefanchuk says that is the message they want to get across during National Drowning Prevention Week. Stefanchuk says this annual event happens the third week of July, during what is known to be the time of year for the most drownings across Canada. In Manitoba, 72 per cent of all drownings happen between May and September. She says there are steps that swimmers can take to prevent drownings.
"First of all, encouraging people to swim with a buddy, boat with a buddy," states Stefanchuk.
When you are navigating the waters and enjoying summer, she stresses the importance of having people with you. Stefanchuk says it is also important to keep any young children within arm's reach.
Lifesaving Society Manitoba recently released its drowning report for our province. Stefanchuk says one of the findings is that when it comes to drownings with boaters, not wearing a life-jacket is a major factor in our province. Boaters are urged to boat sober, as alcohol consumption is a factor in 35 per cent of boating-related fatalities.
Stefanchuk says though every situation is different, it is probably safe to say that 100 per cent of drownings are preventable. She notes, the one thing that drownings overwhelmingly have in common is a lack of preparedness and a lack of attention while on the water.
"It's so much fun to be on the water, but it is a dangerous thing for us," she says. "And keeping that in mind and taking the precautions before you go out there means that you are guaranteed a fun time and not a tragic one."
Stefanchuk also urges the use of life-jackets. Not wearing a life-jacket or PFD was a factor in 53 per cent of boating deaths in Manitoba. Life-jackets must fit properly and be in good working condition.
"When you are in a boat, wear a life-jacket, not just carrying them onboard, but wear it," she stresses. "Because by the time you need it, you are not going to be able to find it."
According to Stefanchuk, Manitoba averages between 22 and 25 drownings per year, and that number is slowly climbing. She notes 34 per cent of drownings happen in lakes and ponds, while 32 per cent happen in rivers. Stefanchuk says far fewer drownings happen in pools in Manitoba.
In its recent report, Lifesaving Society Manitoba says 80 per cent of drowning victims were males and 20 per cent were females. The report also says that among children, the leading cause of all drownings was absent or distracted supervision, among young adults, the leading cause was alcohol consumption, and among middle-aged and older adults, the leading cause was not wearing a life-jacket.
Not only is July 20-26 National Drowning Prevention Week, but Stefanchuk says July 25th is International Drowning Prevention Day.
"When the United Nations declared that a particular day of recognition, it was in response to some sobering stats," she says. "Drowning is among the 10 most common causes of death for children aged five to 14."