Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Water Safety is the Life-Saving Message for Safe Kids Week
The Grey Bruce Health Unit and Parachute are encouraging Canadians to prevent drowning this summer.
Safe swimming and safe splashing mean kids can be safe in and around the water. This is the message during Parachute’s Safe Kids Week, June 7 – 14, 2014. More than 570 children have drowned in Canada in the past 10 years. Parachute and the Grey Bruce Health Unit want everyone to be aware of the importance of water safety to prevent drowning and water-related injuries.
“With 90 per cent of all shallow water drowning of children occurring when an adult is not supervising, parents need to be aware of water safety and how they can prevent these tragic incidents,” says Louise Logan, Parachute’s President and CEO. “Education is key. By partnering with community-based organizations like the Health Unit, we’re ensuring the right prevention tools are available to families during Parachute's Safe Kids Week as well as throughout the summer months.”
Now in its 19th year, Parachute’s Safe Kids Week is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness about the frequency and severity of preventable childhood injuries. Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children.
The best ways to prevent drowning include:
- Stay Close, Keep in Sight and Listen. Active supervision is critical because children 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 drownings could 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.
Parachute has resources for parents, community organizations and others interested in child safety available online at www.parachutecanada.org/safekidsweek.
For more information, visit www.parachutecanada.org or www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
Media Contact:
Mathew MacLeod
Health Promoter, Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1404
m.macleod@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
George James
Parachute
647-776-5125
gjames@parachutecanada.org
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