Making sure the public is focused on their kids and not on their phones is just one of the key messages the Lifesaving Society Canada wants to get out during National Drowning Prevention Week, July 20 to 26, to coincide with World Drowning Prevention Day, held annually on July 25.
In a presentation to District of Sechelt council at a regular meeting July 16, Gibsons resident Lenea Grace, executive director of the Lifesaving Society of BC and Yukon, told council raising awareness about drowning prevention is crucial. She noted there have been more than 20 drownings across the province so far this year and annually, more than 450 people across Canada lose their lives to drowning.
“At the organization, we work to prevent drowning through training. So, many of you have probably either been through our bronze medallion, bronze cross or national lifeguard training yourselves,” said Grace. “Or, had a friend or family member who's done so. As well, with swim lessons, public education, research and aquatic safety standards, we serve over 1.5 million Canadians per year through our programs. Canada faces a major problem and a preventable one. Drowning is completely preventable.”
Coun. Darren Inkster asked Grace if there was anything the district could be doing to help prevent drownings at Sechelt beaches.
“Should we have flotation devices or do they just get stolen? You know, things like that we could provide in some areas that would help?” asked Inkster, who noted an automated external defibrillator previously supplied by the district was stolen. “So, we do these things because we're always moving towards continuing the preservation of life.”
Grace said there are measures that can be taken to increase safety, including the installation of public access rings.
“We have an aquatic safety services team that can make recommendations based on a waterfront audit and the needs of the community, and they have been proven to be very necessary when needed and we've seen a lot of success with them,” said Grace. “With other communities across the province, there are some communities that have had issues with people stealing the rings but overall, the good definitely outweighs the bad there.”
She added loaner life jacket stations, which make the life-saving devices available for free at beaches and boat ramps is also proving to be very beneficial.
“Essentially, they're exactly what they sound like. It's a hut, basically, that has a number of life jackets in different sizes that people are welcome to borrow when they are out on their boats or pleasure craft, or for small children or for non-swimmers that need that extra layer of protection,” said Grace. “And again, we often hear the argument, oh, they'll get stolen. No one will keep this up. Well, you do have to take those costs into consideration, but the benefits far outweigh anything else.”
The need for people of all abilities to wear life jackets while power boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding is another one of the safety tips highlighted during National Drowning Prevention Week, as well as the advice to stay sober in and around the water.
“Our overall theme for the week is safer together. And so, we ask communities like Sechelt and others across the provinces, territories and country, to come together to raise awareness and prevent future tragedies,” said Grace. “So, I commend Sechelt on taking this step. And I also want to encourage the District of Sechelt to reach out to me or to the Life Saving Society to collaborate on any future water safety initiatives that you may want to. We're very fortunate to live on this land here in Sechelt, on the shíshálh Nation, the Land Between Two Waters. It is a cornerstone of our lives here. And I very much appreciate the attention that the council has decided to draw to this very preventable issue.”
District council unanimously proclaimed July 2 to 26, National Drowning Prevention Week in Sechelt.
