Back to SearchSarnia, ON - When it comes to water safety Lambton Public Health and Lambton's Water Wise Committee want you to remember that water is unpredictable and the steps to stay safe are simple - wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device.
"Things can happen in a blink of an eye, so that's why you must make water safety a priority every time you're in and around water," said Lisa Clark, Health Promoter with Lambton Public Health. "Most drowning injuries and fatalities are preventable."
According to the 2017 Ontario Drowning Report, almost two-thirds (62%) of individuals who drowned between 2010 and 2014 were engaged in a recreational activity at the time. It also found not wearing a PFD, alcohol consumption, an inability to swim and swimming alone were among the greatest risk factors contributing to drowning.
National Drowning Prevention Week is July 15-21 and is the opportune time to encourage consistent water safety practices to reduce the risks:
- Understand that natural bodies of water have different currents, depths and temperatures of water that can put even good swimmers at risk of drowning
- Wear a lifejacket when you are boating, swimming and enjoying water sports
- Ensure your backyard pool is protected from entry on all four sides.
- Watch your children while they are in or around water (Avoid distractions; Pay attention to your child; Stay within arm's-length)
- All boaters - powerboat, canoe or kayak - need to wear a lifejacket or PFD (Unexpected falls, especially into cold water, increase risk for drowning)
For information on water safety visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca or call 519-344-2062 ext. 2129 or toll-free 1-800-387-2882.
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Please contact:
Lisa Clark
Health Promoter
County of Lambton
519-344-2062 ext. 2129
Email Lisa Clark
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