The drowning fatality last Friday of a young boy in northern Saskatchewan is a somber reminder that water is a dangerous force and that we all must be vigilant and aware of its strength.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends,” said Lifesaving Society’s Chief Executive Officer, Shelby Rushton. “The Lifesaving Society is saddened by all drowning incidents in the province, and we wish to remind everyone of the ever-present danger that open water such as lakes, rivers, and streams presents to all of us. And now, with an increased water level on our two main river systems (north and south Saskatchewan rivers), water that once was shallow enough to walk in may be much deeper and have a stronger current.”
The Lifesaving Society recommends the following measures to stay safe in, on, and around the water:
1. Wear a lifejacket or PFD during all boating activities.
2. Consider wearing a lifejacket or PFD if you are a weak or non-swimmer. Many people drown from walking off the drop off in lakes when they thought they were in fact in shallow water.
3. Keep an eye on the weather. Wind, rain, and lightning are all hazards that can occur quickly and swimmers should leave the water immediately in these situations. Being caught in the lake with high waves and lightning is a hazardous situation for even the most adept swimmers.
4. Supervise young children at all times when they are near or in the water.
The Lifesaving Society is a national, charitable organization working to prevent drowning and water related injuries through lifeguard training, water safety education, research and advocacy. It is the only organization in Saskatchewan that specializes in water safety and rescue. With more than 100 years of experience in water safety and rescue, the Lifesaving Society is your first source for information
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