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Stay safe in the water during Drowning Prevention Week: Lifesaving Society

Jul 15, 2018 | 8:00 AM

Almost 500 Canadians drown every year in preventable incidents, and drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths among Canadians under 60.

That’s according to the Lifesaving Society’s Saskatchewan branch, who are encouraging everyone to take extra care and learn some safety tips during National Drowning Prevention Week July 15-21. According to the Lifesaving Society more than 80 per cent of drowning victims are male and they are typically between 20 and 34 years of age.

“Public awareness on the dangers of the water as well as how to stay safe in, on, and around the water is a community effort,” Shelby Rushton, CEO of the Lifesaving Society in Saskatchewan, said in a statement.

According to the society, it’s important to swim with a buddy so someone is available to help if trouble strikes. Parents should stay within arm’s reach of small children at all times while in or near the water, and everyone should swim and boat sober.