Multiple families are mourning the loss of loved ones after recent drownings in southern Manitoba, and this week in particular, the Life Saving Society Manitoba is shining a light on water safety for all.
“Throughout the year we track incidents like this,” says Lynne Stefanchuk, the Executive Director of the Life Saving Society Manitoba, regarding the recent drownings of three children under 18 in southern Manitoba. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking anytime something like this occurs.”
Two brothers, aged 13 and 10, recently got pulled under rapid moving water in the Whiteshell Provincial Park on July 18. One day later, a 17-year-old drowned in a gravel pit swimming hole in Grunthal. Both incidents are leaving grieving families and communities.
“We do National Drowning Prevention Week across the country because it is the week in the year where most drownings occur in Canada. It is intentional that we do it this time in the year.”
National Drowning Prevention Week runs July 19-25. This year’s theme is ‘Prepare to Prevent.’
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Keys to water safety
“If you’re going to be on a boat, wear your life jacket and make sure it’s on. If it’s on the boat, it’s not going to help you if something happens. If you’re out on a boat, boat sober.”
Stefanchuk encourages parents of young children to always keep them within arms reach when in the water, whether that’s at the beach or in a pool.
“Another preparation is investing time and resources in swimming lessons if you can. That’s a significant deterrent to getting in trouble, is if you are familiar with the water. There’s so much safety information that goes along with swimming lessons that can be very helpful.”
Newcomers from the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre trying out new BRP Lifejackets during a Lifesaving Society flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Portage la Prairie. (Supplied by the Life Saving Society Manitoba)
Myths behind drownings
Stefanchuk says the first myth is what drowning actually looks like. People assume there will be a call for help, or a splashing around. However, she says the fact is, if a person inhales water or is struggling, it’s often silent.
“The speed with which things can happen out there. We talk a lot about Lake Winnipeg because it’s such a central part of people’s lives. It is essentially a big, inland ocean. There are currents. Weather and conditions can change very quickly.”
Interestingly, quite often drownings occur when people weren’t planning on getting into a body of water at all.
“If you’re near the water, you also should take precautions and that you’re being as safe as you possibly can.”
Helping people in need in water
The Life Saving Society Manitoba encourage people to act fast, and wisely if they are in a situation where someone might be drowning, or even struggling in the water.
“You really want to leave any in-water rescues, to people who are trained to do it,” says Stefanchuk. “The first thing is to yell as loud as you can. Yell for help.”
Getting life gaurds on duty is a good first step, or throwing something inflatable that can aid the person in need.
“Gathering as many people to help as quickly as possible, is your best first line of defence.”