National Drowning Prevention Week has been proclaimed for July 21-27 by Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.
“Tragically, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional injury deaths among children 1 – 4 years of age, and the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years,” explained Paul Keys, general manager of the Gallagher Centre at the meeting.
“With some 500 fatalities annually, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60 years of age.”
Provincially the numbers are just as concerning.
“In Saskatchewan, an average of 18 fatal drownings occur each year plus water-related injuries,” said Keys.
So the week focuses on education.
National Drowning Prevention Week is one of the Society’s leading public education mediums for the prevention of drowning and other water-related injuries,” said Keys. “Our aim is to increase awareness of the need for drowning prevention and remind people to make WaterSmart® choices while in, on and around the water.”
For over 15 years, partnering organizations such as municipalities, YMCA’s, camps, etc. have participated in Drowning Prevention Week by delivering educational activities and demonstrations across the province at their locations.
