Alberta Blue Cross® is urging Albertans to be vigilant around open water after 6 tragic drownings on Alberta lakes over the past 2 weeks.
Earlier this summer, Alberta Blue Cross® and the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories teamed up to share water safety tips in conjunction with National Drowning Prevention Week. Recent tragic incidents have Alberta Blue Cross® back reminding Albertans to practice water safety.
“We have a short summer season in Alberta, and it’s a great time to get out swimming, boating and spending time around open water,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross®. “But unfortunately, many Albertans don’t recognize the risk of drowning or take adequate precautions to stay safe.”
As a champion for wellbeing of Albertans, Alberta Blue Cross® has an active interest in health promotion and injury prevention—which includes preventing drownings. Drowning is a silent and swift threat that claims the lives of 450 Canadians each year. These deaths are often preventable with simple, proactive steps.
In July, Alberta Blue Cross® and the Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories shared tips to encourage Albertans to protect themselves by understanding the risks and practicing water safety. Basic tips include to never swim alone and always keep an eye on one another and be ready to call for help; swim in supervised settings where professionals are on watch; learn swimming survival skills like treading water; actively supervise children and always be within arm’s reach around any body of water; and never mix alcohol or cannabis use with any activities around water.
Above all else, lifejackets should be worn by everyone while boating, during aquatic activities such as paddle boarding and in hazardous aquatic environments such as on ice or around rivers. More than two thirds of boating-related deaths involve capsizing or falling overboard. Weak swimmers or non-swimmers should also always wear a lifejacket when in, on or around the water.
“Lifejackets are like seatbelts—they only work if you’re wearing them,” cautions Geislinger. “By the time you need a lifejacket, it’s often too late to put one on.”
Water safety starts with a simple step—remind everyone to buckle up their lifejackets. Whether you’re boating, paddling, fishing or swimming, a lifejacket can save a life.
For more information about National Drowning Prevention Week, please visit www.lifesaving.org.
About Alberta Blue Cross®
As the largest provider of health benefits in Alberta, we believe we have the potential and responsibility to impact people’s lives for the better. We believe all communities should thrive, and we are committed to serving as a champion for wellness by promoting the health of Albertans.
For more information, please contact Angela Giacobbo, communications officer, Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross® at agiacobb@ab.bluecross.ca.
This media release was shared as a news story on:
- The Calgary Herald on Two people drown in Mahogany Lake
