It is the time of year children are near oceans and lakes but many are not equipped to survive if they fall into deep water.
For the first time, the Vancouver Park Board is partnering with two societies to offer ‘Swim to Survive’, a drowning prevention program.
Six hundred youth between the ages of seven and 18 will be able to take the free program scheduled for Friday, July 22 at Kitsilano Pool.
Lifeguard Outreach Society executive director Paul Wechselberger says they are not swimming lessons but swimming survival lessons.
“If every child could pass the Swim to Survive standard, the number of drownings would be cut in half.”
He says they teach participants how to swim 50 meters and how to tread water for up to sixty seconds, essential skills if a child unexpectedly falls in deep water.
Wechselberger says it may not be pretty swimming but it could save a life.
“90% of children who drown did not have adult or lifeguard supervision.”
He adds it is really important to teach them how to rescue themselves and others.
For registration go to: www.lgos.ca