SASKATOON – This year in Saskatchewan there have been eleven drowning deaths, while at this time last year, there were seven.
Its National Drowning Prevention Week in Canada and the society is working hard to educate the public about water safety.
“We’re right in our peak season now, because everyone’s out on the water with their boats, and swimming and unfortunately, we do expect to see more drownings,” said Shelby Rushton, CEO of the Lifesaving Society’s Saskatchewan Branch.
On average, five hundred people drown in Canada each year, according to the latest Lifesaving Society Report.
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“Basically it’s our opportunity to nag people to be safe around the water. Every day we’re going to be getting our messages out, and every branch across Canada is taking different initiatives,” said Rushton.
As of July 19, more than 200 people have drowned in Canada according to the report.
Last year on the same date, there were just over 180 drowning deaths nationally.
“Our most recent drowning report shows for the very first time, the age group with the highest number of drownings are baby boomers,” said Barbara Byers with the Lifesaving Society.
“In fact the number of drownings amongst baby boomers over the last five years, of coroner’s stats, is a 34 per cent increase.”
The report says another high-risk age group is ages 18 to 24, they continue to have the highest water-related death rate.
National Drowning Prevention Week runs until Saturday with recreational facilities across the province hosting educational activities and presentations.
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