While residents are ready to enjoy warm weather on the water, there's plenty of protective measures to take first. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Water awareness

Drowning Prevention Week comes following massive rainfall

Jul 21, 2020 | 3:55 PM

As Battlefords residents look forward to relaxation around bodies of water amid warmer temperatures, safety concern are being stressed this week, following record highs in water flow on the North Saskatchewan River.

National Drowning Prevention Week runs July 19 to 25, highlighting safety tips for anyone planning to spend time in water.

“Three of the most recent drownings in Saskatchewan occurred in the last four weeks and were in rivers or fast moving water. The increased water level on our two main river systems, water that once was shallow enough to walk in, may be much deeper and have a stronger current, ” said Shelby Rushton, CEO of the Lifesaving Society Saskatchewan Branch.

Mike Adams, General Manager of Freedom RV and Marine in North Battleford, said they’ve continued to receive a steady flow of customers looking to enjoy their summer time on the river or at the lake. His advice to stay safe once in the water is to take note of dedicated swim areas, marked by floating buoys.

“Boats are not allowed into these areas, therefore allowing for a safe place to enjoy,” he said.

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The most common safety measure, is using life jackets, which Adams said is important to have around for any venture with deep water.

“Especially if people are unfamiliar with the elected swim area,” Adams said.

North Battleford’s Director of Protective Services, Lindsay Holm, echoed the importance of using a life jacket. He said many cases of drowning occur when people on a boat or raft don’t actually wear the protective equipment.

“They may have had the life jacket with them, but didn’t have it on,” Holm said.

Another error made with life jackets is assuming it’s the right size. Holm said everyone must ensure their jacket is an appropriate fit, regardless of physique or swimming ability.

“You may have a life jacket on, but if it’s not properly fitted, it’s not going to operate the way it’s supposed to.”

Drowning Prevention Week is normally a fixture at the Aquatic Centre, but this year it is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Typically it would be something the pool would do, for educating people around water safety and encouraging them to take swimming lessons and that sort of thing,” Holm said. “To make them feel comfortable in and around water.”

Holm advises those boating or rafting to keep other equipment handy, such as rope, whistles or a fire extinguisher (depending on the boat). He also said to establish contact with someone to know what time you’re expected back.

“So if you don’t show up, they can quickly notify the fire department or RCMP to start searching,” he said.

And for people enjoying time at the lake or pool, Holm said to maintain an arm’s length distance with anyone who struggles to swim, especially young children.

“If they do end up getting themselves in a bit of trouble, you’re able to quickly intervene,” he said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports