If you see someone drowning, do not attempt to rescue them, unless you're a strong swimmer, and you should always use a floatation device.
This is the advice of Swimming and First Aid Trainer, Krista Therens of Moose Jaw, in recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week in Canada.
"There have been too many drownings," she commented. "We're working really hard with public education all over Canada, so really looking to raise awareness and have people know the risks when they're going to be in, on, or around water this summer."
Therens said a common cause of drowning fatalities occur with the person who is attempting a rescue.
"When they go in intentionally trying to help somebody, but they don't know their own abilities, or they haven't notified someone that they're trying to get help and go rescue someone, so just knowing your own abilities is huge," she noted. "Ask them if they're okay, get other peoples' attention, and never enter the water if you're a weak swimmer. You should always have a personal flotation device like a life jacket on yourself if you're going to attempt to go in and save anyone. This is just because that's going to protect you. And, take something with you that you can kick out towards them, or reach out to them so that they don't use you to float."
Children should be in life jackets or another type of personal floatation device, even if they're only playing near water.
"They should be wearing something that's going to help them float like a personal flotation device or a life jacket," she said.
Another important rule is to not take your eyes off your children.
"As parents, we know how fast things happen, so definitely don't take those minutes to look at your phone, or read a book, if you're at the beach with your kids, or at the lake, you should be supervising them at all times."
If you're not supervising children, and you're with your other adult friends, that still doesn't mean swimming under the influence of alcohol is safe.
"We all know that summertime is fun, and people want to have a couple of drinks when it's a hot day, and they're at the lake, but we should really not be having any intention of going on or around the water if we have consumed any alcohol, because alcohol is one of the major factors of accidental drowning."
No matter where you go, or who you go with, the buddy system is also a life-saver.
"Whenever you plan to do an activity, especially around water, you should have a friend with you so that somebody could get help in the case that they would need some help," Therens advised. "You should also tell people who are not with you where you're going, and when you plan to be back, and any stops you plan on making along the way."
Find the Lifesaving Society webpage HERE.
