With the sunnier and warmer summer weather in full swing, more and more of us are heading to the beaches across British Columbia or heading towards the pool, but are you fully prepared not to drown? The Community Against Preventable Injuries (The Community) will be launching a campaign this week to raise awareness on the dangers of drowning.
The Community will be placing posters, signs and towels with thought provoking messages to bring awareness to this issue.
According to Vital Statistics, there are at least 75 to 80 deaths each year in BC due to drowning and water-transport related incidents and submersions. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years old. Most of the drowning deaths for all other ages occur in natural water and involve water-related activities, e.g., swimming, recreational boating, canoeing, fishing, water-skiing, etc.
So what can cause drownings?
- Half of the children who drown are alone and unsupervised
- Alcohol was associated with 40% of drowning among Canadians aged 15 years and older
- About 90% of people who drown while boating do not wear a life-jacket
This is easily preventable and The Community hopes to prevent more drownings throughout our province and city. For more information, please visit them at preventable.ca
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