Sign up for the battlefordsNOW newsletter

National Drowning Prevention Week

Jul 19, 2016 | 12:19 PM

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed July 17-23, 2016 as National Drowning Prevention Week in Saskatchewan.  In recognition, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport has partnered with the Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan on water safety programming for Saskatchewan’s provincial parks.

“Saskatchewan provincial parks are known for their beautiful lakes and waterways,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said.  “Through this partnership with the Lifesaving Society, we are able to offer our visitors important water education to ensure their safety and enjoyment of our parks.”

Through this partnership, the Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan will visit six provincial parks throughout the summer: The Battlefords, Blackstrap, Echo Valley, Katepwa, Moose Mountain and Pike Lake.  These “Water Smart” programs are focused on preventing drowning and water-related injuries.

Topics covered include an overview on CPR, parent and tot safety, how to use a throwing/reaching assist and how to wear a lifejacket.  All programs are free with park entry.

“The Lifesaving Society is pleased to be partnering with the ministry on drowning prevention initiatives in the provincial parks,” Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan CEO Shelby Rushton said.  “Educating park visitors on how to keep themselves and their family members safe in, on and around the water contributes to a drowning and aquatic injury-free summer.  We want all park visitors to be Water Smart all summer long and all year long.”

New this year, the government and the Lifesaving Society are piloting a Lifejacket Loaner Station Program.  This program, available at Great Blue Heron and Pike Lake, consists of a kiosk on the beach where lifejackets may be borrowed, free of charge.  There are various sizes available, with instructions on how to use them.  The goal of the program is to increase awareness and lifejacket usage by making them readily available.

These programs are just some of the activities available in Saskatchewan provincial parks this summer.  There are numerous interpretive activities to take part in, as well as programs offered by partner organizations, including Canoe-Kayak Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Beach Volleyball, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and the Archaeological Society of Saskatchewan.

To find upcoming events at your favourite park, visit www.saskparks.net/EventsCalendar.  Visit www.lifesavingsociety.sk.ca for more information on National Drowning Prevention Week in Saskatchewan.