Water activities are full of benefits. In each splash we find an opportunity for fun, a way to cool down on a hot day and a chance to get active and moving. At YMCA Calgary, our pools play a big role in the programming and activities we offer. However, whether you are on, in, or around water, there are risks you should be aware of.
It is an unfortunate reality that each year hundreds of people are victims of drowning. In 2017, there were 465 drownings across Canada according to the Lifesaving Society. Of course, we know even one is too many.
“YMCAs across the country play a key role in keeping our communities safe. As we acknowledge Downing Prevention Week, I am grateful for our teams who work to ensure our pools are a safe place to play, be challenged, build resilience and grow,” says Shannon Doram, President & CEO.
It is always drowning prevention week at YMCA Calgary, and it should be for you, too! Here are five actions you can take to keep you and your family safe whether you’re at the pool or in open water.
#1: Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill.
Fact: Did you know that a significant number of drowning victims never intended to enter the water? In Canada, weak or non-swimmers accounted for 29% of swimming fatalities between 2013 and 2017 (as reported by The Lifesaving Society). The question arises: Could you survive an accidental fall into water?
Action: Learn how to swim. The importance of this cannot be emphasized enough. Enroll yourself and your children in lessons at a trusted swim school with qualified instructors that prioritize safety.
Whether you are a toe-dipper or a fish, our programs help individuals of all ages and skill levels feel comfortable in the water while developing good techniques and water safety awareness.
We also offer a range of certification programs that graduate over 120 lifeguards each year. Our lifeguards learn essential water safety skills, advanced lifesaving techniques and emergency medical response procedures. Just this year YMCA Calgary was awarded the Governor Bruce Hogle Lifesaving Program Recognition Award for delivering the largest lifesaving program in 2022 by the Lifesaving Society.
Learn more about our swim lessons and certification programs here!
#2: Supervision keeps our youngest swimmers safe.
Fact: Startlingly, the absence of supervision was a contributing factor in 92% of drownings involving children under the age of 5 in Canada between 2013 and 2017. In Alberta, this number reached a staggering 100% (as reported by The Lifesaving Society).
Action: Supervise your children around water diligently.
If you are in open-water or at an unsupervised pool, keep young children within arms reach and make sure you have access to floating devices before entering the water. At the YMCA, we prioritize child safety through the Test. Mark. Protect. program. All children 13 years and younger participate in a swimming skills assessment and are provided with a coloured wristband based on age and swimming ability. Our lifeguards use this program to ensure all swimmers are in the appropriate areas and have the proper supervision and floatation devices to keep them safe.
To discover more about our commitment to safeguarding your youngest swimmers, watch the video below or check out Test. Mark. Protect. on our website.
#3: There is strength (and safety) in numbers.
Fact: Swimming alone significantly increases the risk of water-related fatalities. Between 2013 and 2017, 73% of water fatalities in individuals aged 65 and above, and 56% in the age group of 35-64, occurred while swimming alone (as reported by The Lifesaving Society).
Action: Always swim with a buddy! Having a companion by your side can ensure quicker assistance in case of an emergency. Before you head out, it is good practice to establish a plan to stay within sight of each other throughout the swim.
Did you know the YMCA offers a variety of Deep-Water Group Fitness Classes? These classes are fun, low impact ways to meet some new friends and get a full body workout!
#4: Avoid substance use while in, on or around water.
Fact: Alcohol consumption contributes to a significant number of water-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis impair balance, judgment, and reflexes. Shockingly, between 2013 and 2017 in Alberta, 53% of water fatalities among young adults aged 15-35 involved alcohol consumption (as reported by The Lifesaving Society).
Action: To ensure personal safety and the safety of others, it is crucial to stay sober when in or near the water. Avoid alcohol and cannabis consumption, as impaired judgment can lead to dangerous situations. Make responsible decisions and prioritize the well-being of yourself and those around you.
#5: Always wear a life jacket when you are on a boat.
Fact: A considerable portion of water-related fatalities in Canada between 2013 and 2017 (24% in Alberta) occurred while boating. Of those incidents, a staggering 87% of victims, when known, were not wearing a life jacket (as reported by The Lifesaving Society).
Action: Always prioritize boat safety by wearing an appropriate fitting life jacket. Regardless of your swimming ability, unexpected circumstances can arise, and wearing a life jacket significantly increases your chances of survival. Make it a habit to wear a life jacket every time you embark on a boat and encourage others to do the same.
Drowning Prevention Week serves as a reminder to prioritize water safety. By spreading awareness and taking proactive measures, we can save lives. Let's come together to prevent drowning incidents, protect ourselves and our loved ones, and create a safer water environment for everyone.
To learn more about water safety, please visit Lifesaving Society.
Explore our swim lessons and certification programs here!
Read the exclusive press release for YMCA Calgary's National Drowning Prevention Week.