With the unofficial start to summer finally here, a number of residents will be out on boats and near waterways this long weekend.
The Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition, which came to form just last summer, want to remind the community how quickly something can go wrong while out swimming, boating, fishing and more.
Briar McCaw, Co-Chair of the Coalition explains what exactly they do in our community.
Audio PlayerMcCaw notes that for every fatal drowning in Ontario, roughly 152 each year, there are at least 4 non-fatal drownings. Something that many people don’t think about she adds.
Audio PlayerAnd while drowning is currently ranked as one of the top 5 causes of mortality for children 0-14 in Canada, McCaw notes that it doesn’t discriminate.
Audio PlayerAnd a number of groups are at an even higher risk of drowning. These include new Canadians who may deal with cultural barriers and children aged 0 to 4, as they lack an understanding of the dangers, have increased mobility and most likely an inability to swim. Other high risk factors include boating, cold water and supervised settings.
McCaw says the best way lower these risks is to follow a number of tips.
Audio PlayerAnother important life saving tip is to wear a lifejacket.
Audio PlayerMcCaw adds that knowing your surroundings will always be a benefit.
Audio PlayerThe Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition Co-Chairs Briar McCaw and MaryKate Townsend stress that it is important to continue conversations regarding water safety and drowning prevention with those of all ages. If you see someone in distress, call 9-1-1 or alert a lifeguard on duty. Do not put yourself at unnecessary risk.
Learn more about the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition here.
myFM also had the chance to speak with McCaw more in depth about boating safety.
You can stay tuned next week as we highlight some tips as part of Safe Boating Awareness Week, running May 20th to 26th.
Written: K. Freeman
