Together the Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan RCMP and the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service are reminding the public to use caution around our provincial waterways as we enjoy the height of summer activity in our warmest months of the year.
We want to encourage safety on the water and share tips to prevent drowning as part of the Lifesaving Society's annual public awareness campaign, National Drowning Prevention Week, which is July 17-23, 2022.
"The Lifesaving Society is a national, registered charity in Canada and our mission is to prevent drowning and water-related injury," shares Shelby Rushton, Lifesaving Society of Saskatchewan CEO. "Even one drowning is too many. Over 400 people drown annually in Canada, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children and the third leading cause of unintentional death for adults. We all must do our part to stay safe on the water."
"Each year Saskatchewan RCMP officers respond to reports of sudden deaths as a result of drowning. This may be RCMP Detachment officers and potentially the Saskatchewan RCMP's Underwater Recovery Team responding to calls for police assistance," says Cpl. Jamie Diemert with the Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team. "If you are unfamiliar with the waterways you are going in, on or near, ask a local person about water conditions and concerns and always wear a life jacket. If you're going out on the water alone in a boat, remember to let someone know when you will return."
"Most drowning deaths reported to the Saskatchewan Coroners Service for investigation are preventable," said Chief Coroner Clive Weighill. "Simple steps can be taken to prevent drownings such as always wearing a life jacket, swimming with a buddy, not consuming alcohol or drugs before swimming or operating a boat/canoe, and being mindful of inclement weather moving in which may pose hazards to your safety in the water."
The Lifesaving Society encourages Saskatchewan residents and visitors to follow these measures to stay safe when in, on, or near water:
- Wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) during all boating activities.
- Consider wearing a lifejacket or PFD if you are a weak or non-swimmer. Waves and currents can be dangerous, even in shallow water, as swimmers may be swept out to deeper water, resulting in panic and drowning. A lifejacket or PFD will also assist swimmers to keep their head above the water if they unexpectedly walk off or drop off in the water.
- Supervise young children at all times when they are near or in the water. Set boundaries and rules for water time.
- For children six years of age and under, stay within arms' reach. This allows for an immediate and fast response to a child that has fallen underwater.
- Know your limits. Non-swimmers and weak swimmers should stay in shallow water and even strong swimmers should not venture into deep water when there are wavy conditions.
- Swim/boat with a buddy and let someone on shore know where you are and where you're going.
Background:
- Between June 1 – July 16, 2022, the Saskatchewan RCMP responded to 8 reports of drowning in their jurisdiction in the following detachment areas: Lumsden, Moose Jaw, Fond du Lac, Saskatoon, Spiritwood, Dillon and Meadow Lake.
- Between June 1 – July 16, 2021, the Saskatchewan RCMP responded to 4 reports of drowning in their jurisdiction.
- Between June 1-July 16, 2020, the Saskatchewan RCMP responded to 6 reports of drowning in their jurisdiction.