Drowning prevention was front and centre of programming at the North Battleford Kinsmen Aquatic Center from Monday to Friday last week.

During Drowning Prevention Week, swimming instructors included a new safety lesson and game to use for their classes each morning. Some of these lessons included: swim with a buddy, learn and follow the pool rules and always wear a lifejacket in the boat.

Swimmers learned the importance of playing safe in, on and around the water.

In the afternoons, staff and volunteers helped raise awareness during public swimming through a wide variety of activities that included sidewalk chalk, face painting, a coloring contest as well as fitness and rescue demonstrations and challenges.

One activity that was a big hit was the Swim to Survive Challenge. Participants rolled into deep water to simulate an unexpected fall, treading water for one minute, the appropriate time to orient yourself in the water, and successfully swimming 50 metres, the distance from safety within which most drowning deaths occur. Over 100 people participated in and completed the challenge throughout the week.

Some of the week's highlights included Monday's visit from Mayor Ian Hamilton during the Swim to Survive Challenge, Wednesday and Thursday's barbecue, Friday's competition day and the flutter board graveyard.

Pool staff express appreciation to everyone who came out and supported this important event and wish everyone a fun and safe summer.