On the heels of a tragic Canada Day long weekend that saw two people in southwestern Ontario drowned, a national non-profit water-safety agency is offering up some life-saving tips.
The Lifesaving Society recommends all boaters and non-swimmers wear a life jacket at all times.
"A life jacket buys you time to get rescued," said Barbara Byers, public education director at the Lifesaving Society. "A life jacket is an extra layer of protection and it ensures that the person's face stays out of the water, which means their airway will be open."
Byers also recommends those venturing out onto or into the water abstain from alcohol and take a partner.
"It is really important to have a buddy with you, even as an adult, to have someone look out for you in a boat or when you're swimming because time is of the essence when you are in a drowning situation," said Byers.
For parents taking little ones out for a dip, it is recommended they eliminate all distractions, such as phones, and remain within arms reach of their child.
"A drowning is silent," said Byers. "You're not going to hear a person scream 'help I'm drowning' because when they are in that situation their airway fills with water."
As of Wednesday, there have been 43 drowning deaths in Ontario this year. That is down slightly from the 46 water deaths reported over the same time last year. Roughly 65% of drownings happen in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Of those who have lost their lives to drowning, 31% were swimming, 19% were boating, and 21% unexpectedly fell into the water, figures from the society show.
"Drowning really are preventable. It is within our own behaviour," said Byers. "It is really important to be aware of the risks, to be responsible."
Anyone who encounters an individual struggling in the water should first call for help, then extend a flotation device, such as a life jacket, a ring buoy, a pool noodle, or even the lid of a cooler for the person to grab onto. According to Byers, the flotation device helps save the individual while preventing them from pulling their potential rescuer under the water during the life-threatening situation.
On Monday, a 17-year-old Perth County teen and a Kitchener man died in two separate drowning incidents. Ebony Kay was pulled from a small lake at a campground north of Mitchell around noon. Paramedics were able to resuscitate the teen who was rushed to hospital. She died Tuesday. A GoFundMe page set up to help cover the cost of the Kay's funeral has raised over $17,500 in just 24 hours.
Andre Bourgeois had been paddleboarding with his family at the Trout Lake campground in Innerkip when he went into the water around 4pm. He was pronounced dead in hospital. In a Facebook post, Bourgeois' son wrote, "he was an awesome guy and an amazing father. R.I.P Dad."