Canadian Coast Guard Helps Take Part in Drowning Prevention Week in Cobourg

Pete Fisher
5 months ago
• Categories: Local

The Canadian Coast Guard along with the Town of Cobourg held an event at the Cobourg Marina on Friday, July 26, 2024 to recognize Drowning Prevention Week.

The Coast Guard Search and Rescue vessel Cape Rescue was docked at the centre pier and available for anyone who would like a tour during the afternoon event on Friday.

There was also events happening at the marina including a colouring table, face painting and a water safety trivia quiz.

With Cobourg being a popular tourist destination for the beach and although Victoria Beach has lifeguard stands, there are no lifeguards on them.  So it’s important to remember water safety at all times.

The Lifesaving Society designates the third week in July as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW). This year’s campaign focuses on educating Ontarians about the common risk factors for non-fatal drownings and provides simple, actionable steps to keep kids safe, including wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, actively supervising your children and staying within arms’ reach at all times.

Parents are encouraged to visit watersmartparents.ca to learn how to keep their kids safe in any season, during any activity and in any location.

The Lifesaving Society also recommends:

Learning to swim: both children and adults should take swimming lessons.

Swimming in lifeguard-supervised setting. The Town of Cobourg would like to remind residents that Lifeguards are on duty at the Centennial Pool: Centennial Aquatics Schedule June_Sept 2024 (ymcanrt.org)

Children and non-swimmers should always be supervised around water.

Ensuring you can meet the Swim to Survive® standard (roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, swim 50 metres).

Wearing lifejackets while boating – everyone, regardless of age or swimming ability.

Taking Lifesaving Society courses like Bronze Medallion and First Aid to learn how to help yourself and others.