Drowning prevention week: How to stay safe on the lake

The Lifesaving Society has announced that July 21-27 will be National Drowning Prevention Week.

In Saskatchewan, five water-related deaths have been reported this month.

Since the beginning of the summer holidays, lifeguards have been stressing the need for everyone to learn how to stay safe while in the water.

Jade Otsig is a lifeguard and swimming instructor for Marean Lake Swimming Lessons. Otsig shared that it is hard as a swim instructor to hear about the drowning instances in our province.

“It’s sad to see. It’s even worse to know as a lifeguard and swimming instructor that most of those could have potentially been preventable,” said Otsig.

Otsig shared statistics from The Lifesaving Society that show not all drowning incidents occur due to the inability to swim.

“About 90 per cent of drowning victims are not wearing a life jacket, and alcohol is involved in almost half of all drownings … A majority of these drowning victims are adults making these decisions for themselves.”

Otsig then stressed the importance of knowing CPR or drowning resuscitation techniques.

“Now, more than ever for me, it’s very evident how important it is because even if it’s not a drowning-related incident… that sort of thing can happen at any time, anywhere,” said Otsig.

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With lake waters typically being more murky than pools, it may be harder to see swimmers out in the water. Otsig told 650CKOM the best attire to wear to be seen in lake waters.

“If you’re not going in the water with your kid and you’re not going to be within arms reach of them the whole time, they should be wearing a personal flotation device. Those are usually bright red or yellow in colour,” she said. “The best colour of swimsuit to wear is either bright pink or bright orange… Any sort of neon colour swimsuit.”

Otsig went on to explain the difference between a personal flotation device and a life jacket.

“A PFD will most likely keep your airway up and open towards the sky so that you’re not floating face down if you were to be unconscious. A life jacket is usually more commonly used in water sports environments.”

When asked about what she would like to share with people going to the lake for the August long weekend, Otsig told 650CKOM to be more aware when in or around the water.

“Children should always be within arms reach. If they are out of arms reach, they’ve gone too far and there’s risk of drowning… Be conscious about what beverages you’re taking in, on or around the water. Don’t drive impaired and don’t swim impaired. That goes for alcohol and drugs.”

“Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device no matter what your swimming ability is. There is a possibility that you fall into the water when you’re not expecting it and that’s when a majority of drownings happen, when people don’t expect to be in the water.”

Thanks to The Life Saving Society, many lakes and beaches have a Life Jacket Loaner Station where visitors can borrow life jackets for free while around the water.

If there is a water-related emergency, Otsig said to go to the nearest booth selling food as they will most likely have a first aid kit or AED and a phone to call emergency services if needed.

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