Following the recent drowning tragedy in our community, both myFM and the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition know that water safety is top of mind right now.
Because of this, we sat down with MaryKate Townsend, Co-chair of the local coalition to share some important messaging with the community.
And it’s an extra timely conversation as we get set to kick off National Drowning Prevention Week- running July 21st through 27th.
Townsend, who is also a Steering Committee Member on the Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition and Co-Chair of the National Committee for Community Coalition Development, shared the devastation of when she heard the news about 14-year-old Omar Boz of London.
It’s all about educating the public notes Townsend, which is the number one goal of the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition.
The Lifesaving Society of Ontario designates the third week in July as National Drowning Prevention Week, which aims to focus community and media attention on water safety and drowning prevention efforts.
Townsend also shared that drowning is being recognized as a worldwide crisis on July 25th.
The Lifesaving Society along with the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition, will be sharing a number of water safety tips on social media next week to honour their commitment to the cause.
This includes swimming with a buddy and wearing a lifejacket if you don’t know how to swim or aren’t a strong enough swimmer for the environment you’re in.
Townsend says that one of the most vital tips to remember is to simply pay attention while around water- especially if you’re responsible for others.
Adding that staying sober while out on the water is a must!
And while we may have statistics that give us a better understanding of the trends each year, Townsend stresses that drowning doesn’t discriminate.
As we get set for the second half of the summer, Townsend notes that it’s never to late to be educated. It could be as simple as learning what the flags means at local beaches.
Those wishing to learn more about water safety are encouraged to attend one of the many events being hosted by the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition for National Drowning Prevention Week.
This includes at free swims taking place in Aylmer and St. Thomas this weekend.
The events and flag raising proclamations taking across St. Thomas-Elgin will also be an opportunity to get involved in the work the coalition does adds Townsend.
Be sure to visit the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition Facebook page for messaging and event details pertaining to National Drowning Prevention Week- July 21- 27.
You can stayed tuned to myFM for more from Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition next week as well!
Written by: K. Freeman
