National Drowning Prevention Week: July 16 - 22

As part of National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), we want to bring your attention to the vital theme for Thursday: Stay Sober In, On, and Around the Water. This initiative aims to raise awareness about drowning prevention and promote safe practices in and around water.

Boating and swimming while impaired by alcohol or drugs can be extremely dangerous. Impaired senses reduce your ability to react to danger, increasing the risk of fatal drownings. Operating a boat under the influence is akin to impaired driving, putting not only your life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and other boaters.

Alcohol is a significant factor in drowning fatalities across Canada. In Alberta, it contributes to 32% of boating fatalities, 53% of swimming fatalities in young adults, and 39% of swimming fatalities in older adults. 

We urge you to practice sober boating and swimming to ensure the safety of everyone involved. By taking these safety measures seriously, we can all contribute to preventing drownings and creating a safer aquatic environment. Together, we can make a difference!

As part of our NDPW activities at the pool, we have planned exciting events:

1. Build a Boat Competition: Participants can construct mini boats and bring them to the pool. If your boat floats, you'll receive a raffle entry for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
2. Make the Boat Safe Activity: Learn essential safety measures to ensure your boat is secure and ready for any water adventure.

For further information on NDPW events and water safety resources, please visit the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre Facebook Page.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Let's make water safety a priority, and together, we can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer around the water.