Lifesaving Society promotes summer water safety
Saskatchewan averages 18 drowning deaths per year
Summer sun mixes well with heading out to the lake or pool. But the Lifesaving Society says it's important to prepare for potential dangers.
National Drowning Prevention week is underway until July 25. The Lifesaving Society said it is crucial to wear a life vest, know the basics of swimming and to know your surroundings whenever playing or working around bodies of water.
"Know what your limits are, know the hazards of the area," said Shelby Rushton, CEO of Lifesaving Society.
"It probably doesn't hurt to know the limits of the people you're going to be with as well. Is someone trained in CPR, is there a lifeguard in the group?"
Despite the annual warnings, Saskatchewan sees an average of 18 drowning deaths per year. In 2015 to date, there have been nine deaths due to drowning incidents.
According to a study the Lifesaving Society commissioned in 2011, new Canadians are especially susceptible to drowning incidents.
Rushton said many people are getting used to living in a new country and may not "have time to do those recreational things" yet.
She said the Lifesaving Society has worked closely with the Regina Open Door Society to introduce swimming programs for new Canadians.