Drowning Prevention: Practice Water Safety This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 6, 2020 9:15am 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service and their Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition partners are urging all residents to practice water safety when they are on, in or near water this summer. 

Tragically, there have been five drownings on local waterways this summer. The combination of warm weather and people being near unfamiliar waters are considered possible factors in the these drowning cases. 

Every weekend through the summer the OPS Marine, Dive and Trails Unit will be on local waterways enforcing boating laws. 

The Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition reminds us all that drownings are avoidable. Follow these tips for staying safe around water. 

Swimmers:

Be aware of swimming in unknown waters; swift water and depths in our rivers can change quickly

Always wear a life jacket near open bodies of water, no matter what level of swimmer you are. Currents are strong and there could be undertows. 

Parents, stay within arms’ reach of your young children. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. Never leave your child unattended for even a short period of time; a drowning can happen in less time than it takes to read this tip.  

Swimming, boating and alcohol don’t mix. Alcohol reduces the rate your brain can process information, lowers your body temperature making you more prone to hypothermia, affects your sense of distance and can lead to risk-taking behaviour. 

Boaters:

Drinking and driving laws apply on the water.
Wear a life jacket at all times.
Ensure you have all safety equipment aboard your vessel (this includes seadoos, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks). Check Transport Canada Website for further details (Follow all posted speed limits and any other directional signage on the water.

The Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition is made up of several public groups and agencies including the Life-Saving Society, Ottawa Police, Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Fire and Ottawa Paramedics to prevent the incidence of fatal and non-fatal drownings and other water-related injuries in the National Capital Region.

Media availability: Representatives from Ottawa Police, Ottawa Fire, Ottawa Paramedics and the Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition will be available at the Britannia Yacht Club located at 2777 Cassels Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2B 6N6 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. for individual media interviews. 

We cannot guarantee physical distancing during the interviews so we ask that media wear masks during the event. Interviewees will not be wearing masks during interviews. 

Please confirm your presence with the Ottawa Police Media Office at 613-236-1222 X5366. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366