Drowning Prevention Tips from Local Lifesavers

Thursday, 25 July 2024 09:04

Constable Randi Crawford posted a video on the OPP West Region X page last night alongside a lifeguard named Zach who works at the Ingersoll Community Centre.

INGERSOLL - The Oxford OPP is shining a light on Drowning Prevention Week.

Community Safety and Media Relations Constable Randi Crawford posted a video on the OPP West Region X page last night. She was joined by Zach, who works as a lifeguard at the Ingersoll Community Centre.

He had some tips you should keep in mind while you're swimming this summer.

"Make sure you swim with a buddy and make sure you are aware of the conditions, which is a big thing we're seeing right now with beaches. When you're going out, make sure you know the time of day so you're swimming in the light and not in the darkness. Make sure you swim in areas you're supposed to be swimming in and be aware that when you go out, the weather and the conditions could change quickly."

He said you should always be aware of areas with undertow, and you should never consume alcohol or drugs when you're going to be close to water.

"Just like driving, it affects your reaction, your judgment and causes time impairment during crucial times. So we want to make sure we're not having those substances ingested while we're in, on, or around the water. So that includes swimming, on a boat or a vessel, and on a dock or around the water. All it takes is one small step or trip and you're in the water when you weren't expecting to be."

He adds a lot of drowning incidents happen when the person is not expecting to be in the water.

"With fatal and non-fatal drownings, a lot of people end up in the water when they weren't expecting to be there. You might be fully clothed and you might just be beside the water when it happens, so you need to be alert and aware of your surroundings. This is why it's imperative to always be watching children and adults when you are in, on, or around the water."

Zach says everyone should be wearing a life jacket whenever they're around water, no matter their age or swimming experience. He also provided a demonstration on how a life jacket should fit, and you can watch it in the video below.

According to the Life Saving Society, Drowning Prevention Week always takes place in mid-July because that's when the drowning rate is at its highest in Canada. It also coincides with Drowning Prevention Day this year, which is always July 25th.

#OxfordOPP wants to help everyone in @OxfordCounty to stay safe in the water this summer. Lifeguard Zach & Constable Crawford offer some safety tips during #NationalDrowningPrevention Week in @Ingersoll #LifesavingSociety #WaterSafetyForAll ^rc pic.twitter.com/YTM9rFM8Gw
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) July 25, 2024