Sunday marked the first day of National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) 2018 – 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 15-21.
“We use National Drowning Prevention Week to bring attention to the drowning problem in Canada and to remind people to be water smart all year,” says Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia branch, Mike Maguire.
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.
“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.”
Special NDPW Events
Learn to Swim to Survive
July 16, 18 & 20
10-11am
Lifesaving Society will offer our Swim to Survive program to all ages at 21 Nova Scotia beaches. The Society identifies the Swim to Survive Standard as the minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Everyone is invited to join in. You can find all participating beaches here:
http://www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca/index.php/nsls-home/beaches
*Clam Harbour and Mavillette will not be participating.
Learn CPR
July 16 11:30-1:30pm & 5-8pm: Parade Square
July 20 5-8pm: Halifax Waterfront
Come learn and practice adult and infant CPR. We will also have special manikins that will allow you to test the efficiency of your compressions.
Water Smart Family Fun Day
July 21
12:30-4pm: Albro Lake
Join us for a free barbeque and a fun day of water smart activities.
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Source : Media Release
