National Drowning Prevention Week declared

Patricia Harcourt

Many people love water activities during the summer months, but being safe and exercising caution is an important part of that fun.

For that reason, Beaver County has declared July 16-22 National Drowning Prevention Week.

At the regular council meeting in June, Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) made the motion to accept the proclamation of the resolution. It is to remain in effect for five years to coincide with the National Drowning Prevention Week that will be set every year.

The proclamation reads as follows:

“Whereas, the mission of Lifesaving Society Canada is to prevent drowning throughout this great country, and even one drowning in Alberta is one too many; and

“Whereas, most drownings are preventable in a Water Smart community, and only through Water Smart education and a healthy respect for the potential danger that any body of water may present can we genuinely enjoy the beauty and recreation opportunities offered by these bodies of water; and

“Whereas, the Lifesaving Society urges Canadians and residents of Beaver County to supervise children who are in and around the water, to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities, and to always wear a life jacket when boating; and

“Whereas 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; and

“Whereas, Lifesaving Society Canada has declared July 16th-22, 2023 National Drowning Prevention Week to focus on the drowning problem and the hundreds of lives that could be saved this year.

“Therefore, be it be resolved that, Beaver County Council hereby proclaims July 16 to 22 National Drowning Prevention Week in Beaver County and commends its thoughtful recognition to all citizens of the municipality.”

Council heard in its report at the June 21 regular meeting that “Canada faces a major problem and a preventable one.”

There are over 450 people dying every year from drowning accidents. The United Nations General Assembly is so concerned over the issue around the world that it passed a resolution on drowning prevention, and named July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day.

The project in Canada is being spearheaded by the Life Saving Society, which is a national charitable organization.

Its goal is “to prevent drownings and reduce water related injury through training programs,” states the report to council. This is done through water smart public education, drowning research and aquatic safety standards. The Lifesaving Society certifies Canada’s national lifeguards.

Every year during the summer the reports of drownings occur, including the province of Alberta, and the National Drowning Prevention Week is one of the society’s leading public education initiatives, with events taking place across the country to focus media and community attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.

During this week, the society urges people to always supervise children in and around the water. Also, it is recommended that alcoholic beverages not be consumed while participating in water activities.

And always wear a life jacket when boating. The lifejacket in the boat will be of no help to you once you are in the water.

“If every Canadian followed these steps,” says the society, “we could greatly reduce Canada’s drowning rate.”