Despite a downward trend, drowning is still the third leading cause of death in Canada. Drowning is preventable and the Lifesaving Society Manitoba is bringing awareness to the problem during National Drowning Prevent Week July 21st to 27th.
Over 450 people fatally drown annually in Canada, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children and the third leading cause of unintentional death for adults. In particular, Indigenous, northern and new Canadians have a disproportionately high mortality burden. In fact, the drowning burden is so great around the world that the United Nations General Assembly passed the UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention (A/75/L.76) and named July 25th of each year as World Drowning Prevention Day. During the week of July 21st – 27th, 2024 Lifesaving Society of Canada will be educating and promoting safety awareness in, on and around the water. The 2024 theme for National Drowning Prevention Week in Manitoba is Water Safety for Newcomers.
Statistics show that almost 70% of drowning fatalities never intended to go into the water and were often within 15 metres of safety. To help reduce drowning, all Canadians are encouraged to:
* Take the Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive Standard (teaches how to survive an unexpected fall into the water) and participate in a learn-to-swim program.
* Wear a properly fitted lifejacket when out on a boat.
* Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities.
* Ensure that children are under the direct supervision of an adult when around barrier-free bodies of water.
The majority of drownings are preventable in a Water Smart community. Join Lifesaving Society Manitoba to participate in various events and activities to help make a Water Smart community.
There’s more information at Lifesaving Society Manitoba – The Lifeguarding Experts
