During National Drowning Prevention Week, from July 19-25, Nova Scotians are reminded that learning to swim is one way to increase safety in and around water.

“Basic swimming skills are good for fun, healthy physical activity, and are also important for survival when things go wrong in the water,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

“That’s why Grade 3 students in the province are learning basic swimming skills in the Swim to Survive program.”

The Swim to Survive program is funded through Thrive!, government’s plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. It is run by the Nova Scotia branch of the Lifesaving Society.

“Teaching your children to swim and supervising their activities increases their safety while they have fun at the beach or in other bodies of water,” said Paul D’Eon, special projects director from the Lifesaving Society. “We also encourage Nova Scotians to swim in an area supervised by a lifeguard whenever possible to help prevent tragedies in the water.”

Statistics from the society show that in 2014, 308 Canadians died by drowning, including 12 Nova Scotians.

The society organizes National Drowning Prevention Week in Nova Scotia. For more information about water safety, visit www.lifesavingsociety.ns.cas .

Source: Release