MANITOULIN – Safe swimming and safe splashing mean your kids can be safe in and around the water. In the last two years the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated three tragic drownings of children on Manitoulin Island. Canadian statistics have shown that 570 children have drowned in Canada in the past 10 years. As a result of these alarming facts the OPP and the Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition (MIPC) are educating the public to become aware of the importance of water safety in order to prevent drowning and water-related injuries this summer.
Studies have shown that 90% of all shallow water drowning’s of children occur when an adult is not supervising, Canadian parents need to be aware of water safety and how they can prevent these tragic incidents “Education is key” advised S/Sgt. Kevin Webb Detachment Commander of the Manitoulin OPP. “By partnering with community based organizations like the Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition, we’re ensuring the right prevention tools are available to families”.
The Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition has purchased beach towels with a message printed on them stating that “Drowning happens quickly, often silently. It’s Preventable!” and also encourages parents and the public to be watching. “These towels are excellent education tools that we can give to children and people in the community as a reminder to stay safe around water” said Serena Verboom, Co-Chair of the Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition. Donations from businesses, municipalities, First Nation communities and others have made this campaign possible.
The best ways to prevent drownings include:
- Stay Close, Keep in Sight and Listen. Active supervision is key because kids overestimate their skills and underestimate their environments like water depth or strength of current.
- Life Jackets are Life Savers. Young children under 5 years of age and weak swimmers should wear lifejackets when they are in, on or around the water.
- Fence it, Prevent It! Researchers estimate that 7 out of 10 child drowning’s can be prevented with four-sided pool fencing.
- Swimming Lessons Save Lives. While it doesn’t replace active adult supervision, swimming lessons allow children to gain confidence around water and learn swimming strokes and water skills.
- Be Prepared. Get trained in water skills, swimming skills, CPR and first aid. It could help save a life.
The OPP along with members of the MIPC will be attending community groups including swimming lessons across Manitoulin to speak with children and parents about water safety throughout the summer to get the message out and hopefully prevent any further tragedies from happening.
