This week marks National Drowning Prevention Week (July 21-27, 2024), recognized annually during the third week of July by the Lifesaving Society Ontario. This year’s theme is focused on educating families about non-fatal drowning.
Drowning happens when a person is underwater and breathes water into the lungs. A drowning that doesn’t result in death is often called a non-fatal drowning.
Each year in Ontario, there is an average of 164 drowning deaths, 100 hospitalizations due to non-fatal drowning, and 568 emergency department visits due to non-fatal drowning.
The Lifesaving Society Ontario is dedicated to raising awareness and providing education on water safety, drowning prevention, and safe swimming and boating practices. They offer valuable resources and research to help keep families safe around water.
For more information on water safety, drowning research, and educational materials, visit the Lifesaving Society Ontario’s website at www.lifesavingsociety.com.
Let’s all work together to reduce these numbers and ensure that everyone enjoys the water safely this summer.