Safety Matters

National Drowning Prevention Week in Nova Scotia is organized by the provincial branch of the Lifesaving Society.

"Almost two-thirds of all drowning deaths occur when people fall into the water unexpectedly," says Mike Melenchuk, president of the Lifesaving Society. "Wearing a personal flotation device if you work or play around the water will save your life."

The society offers the following tips to help ensure a safe summer:

• make sure everyone in the family can achieve the Canadian Swim to Survive standard, including being able to surface after falling in deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 metres
• take a lifesaving course and learn how to reduce the risk of drowning
• teach children to swim and be comfortable around water
• always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when boating
• do not consume alcohol while swimming or operating a boat
• keep children within arms' reach when near water and, whenever possible, swim in an area supervised by a lifeguard

For more information about water safety, visit www.lifesaving.ca.