**** NDPW Media Release
NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK KICKS OFF IN NOVA SCOTIA
Sunday marks the first day of National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) 2019 – the Lifesaving Society Canada’s annual initiative focused on community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention across Canada. This year’s NDPW falls on July 21-27.
“The Lifesaving Society’s mission is to prevent drowning and water related injuries, drowning prevention week is about educating Martimers how to be safe around the water, who otherwise might not get the opportunity through our programs.,” says Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia branch, Pat McGrath.
NDPW is one of the Lifesaving Society’s leading public education initiatives. Throughout the week, daily events will take place across Canada to help promote water safety and drowning prevention. During this week, the Society urges individuals to supervise children in and around the water, refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket when boating.
The Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia Branch has organized NDPW in NS, with events and activities planned throughout the province. Media is encouraged to participate in NDPW 2019, to help spread the word about NDPW 2019. Having NDPW promoted by media would give greater exposure to our lifesaving efforts in NS and help reduce Canada’s drowning rate.
“A large percentage of Nova Scotia drownings occur in July, August and September when people spend more time in, on and around the water,” says Director of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, Paul D’Eon. “As part of National Drowning Prevention Week, we want people to enjoy the water, but in a safe and responsible manner.”
NDPW 2019 KEY MESSAGES AND DAILY THEMES
Visit http: www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca/index.php/public-education/drowning-prevention-week for more information on National Drowning Prevention Week 2019.
The following main messages were selected for NDPW 2019 based on the major risk factors presented in the Canadian Drowning Report – 2019 Edition:
Drowning is Preventable. Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
- Watch me, not your phone. Always directly supervise children around the water – if
you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
- Be Boat Smart – Wear a Lifejacket. Choose It. Use It. Always wear a lifejacket or
PFD when in a boat.
- Learn to Swim to Survive. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the
water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected
fall into the water?
- Swim with a buddy. Make smart choices before going into or out on the water.
- Know your limits. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related
fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impairs judgment, reflexes and balance.
Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
- Be Water Smart all year round. You can save a life, yours and someone else’s.
Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.
NDPW 2019 Events
Monday, July 22 : CPR Clinic at Cole Harbour Place from 12-3. We will be in the lobby demonstrating to the public how to do proper CPR on someone and how to help someone who is choking and this is a great way to learn what to do in a real life situation.
Thursday, July 25: At any beach that is Lifeguarded by Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service (http://lifesavingsociety.ns.ca/index.php/nsls-home/beaches) We will be hosting Swim to Survive from 11-1. Swim to Survive is a program run by Lifesaving Society, it teaches us how to survive a fall into deep/open water. This is a great skill to test for all ages. We will be giving out prizes at Rainbow Haven Beach to participants.
Saturday, July 27: CPR Clinic, we will be hosting another CPR clinic from 8-12 at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market.
The Lifesaving Society is a national, charitable organization working to prevent drowning and reduce water-related injury through our training programs, Water Smart® public education, drowning research and aquatic safety standards. The Lifesaving Society certifies Canada’s National Lifeguards.
