Town of St. Marys marks National Drowning Prevention Week with special events

The Town of St. Marys is hosting a variety of events during National Drowning Prevention Week (July 15 to 21) to highlight the importance of water-safety.

According to the Lifesaving Society approximately 500 Canadians die in in preventable water-related incidents each year.

“We often think of children as being the most at risk,” says Andrea Slade, Aquatics Supervisor for the Town, “However, drowning affects all ages. Some of the highest water-related fatality rates are among baby boomers and young adults.”

That’s why, in addition to children’s activities, such as a colouring/drawing contest and appearances by “Buddy the Lifeguard Dog” at both municipal pools, the Town is holding drowning awareness events that will appeal to all ages.

On Tuesday, July 17 and Thursday, July 19, lifeguards will offer “Swim to Survive” workshops from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Quarry for the cost of regular admission. Participants will learn life-saving skills such as how to properly fall or roll into water, tread water for one minute and swim 50 metres.

The St. Marys Fire Department will also be at the Quarry on Wednesday, July 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. showcasing some of their new water rescue equipment. A live water rescue demonstration will take place at 2:00 p.m. The Fire Department is encouraging brave spectators to volunteer to be “rescued”.

Finally, Perth County Paramedics will be at the St. Marys Quarry on Friday, July 20 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. to answer any questions the public may have regarding paramedic services in Perth County. They will also offer free defibrillator and CPR demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

For a full schedule of Town of St. Marys National Drowning Prevention Week events, visit www.townofstmarys.com/quarry or contact Guest Services at 519-284-2160.

Colouring/Drawing Contest

From July 15 to 21, children age seven to 12 who enter the National Drowning Prevention Week colouring/drawing contest will each receive a free swim pass! Entries will be displayed at the St. Marys Quarry and Aquatics Centre.

Ages seven and under

Colouring sheets from the Lifesaving Society will be available at both municipal pools as well as available to download at www.townofstmarys.com/quarry. Please return your completed coloring sheet to a Town of St. Marys lifeguard.

Ages eight to 12

Draw a “Water Smart Super Hero”! Participants must include:

The name of the super hero
Slogan, motto or message
The hero’s super power

Please submit your drawing to a Town of St. Marys lifeguard.

Drowning Prevention Tips (courtesy of the Lifesaving Society)

Drowning is a quick and quiet killer. Parents/caregivers need to stay “within arms’ reach” of young children anytime they are around the water. If you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
Pay special attention to toddlers around water. Unattended toddlers are at high risk because they are mobile, curious, and require close and constant supervision by adults.
In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water? Learn to Swim to Survive®.
Always wear a Lifejacket or PFD when in a boat.
The ON GUARD card is a tip-card and lanyard worn around the neck of someone supervising activities in a private pool. It is designed to encourage parents and caregivers to be vigilant while supervising young children and non-swimmers in or around water.

Note: The Town of St. Marys has implemented an ON GUARD card program for residents who install new pools. Residents will receive the card when they apply for pool permits. If you did not receive a card and are interested in receiving one, contact the Aquatics Supervisor at 519-284-2340, ext. 623.

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Contact

Stacey Wheal | Corporate Communications Specialist
519-284-2340, ext. 429 | swheal@town.stmarys.on.ca