Ontario’s Chief Coroner, Dr. Andrew McCallum, is reminding all Ontarians to be safe around water this summer.
He says drowning deaths can be prevented when individuals act responsibly around water.
This reminder is prompted by more than a dozen drowning deaths so far in July. While drowning deaths of children under the age of five have dropped significantly in recent years – from 13 in 2010 to just three in 2011 – alcohol remains a prevalent risk factor in many drowning deaths.
In June 2011, the Office of the Chief Coroner released a report on accidental drowning deaths following a review of deaths that occurred between May and September 2010.
Led by Dr. Bert Lauwers, Deputy Chief Coroner, the review revealed some startling statistics about alcohol and drowning deaths as well as the use of life jackets.
Alcohol was a contributing factor in 67 per cent of the drowning deaths studied for victims aged 15 to 64. Overall, 44 per cent of drowning deaths were alcohol related.
The report pointed to four key recommendations for individuals:
– learn to swim, it is a basic life skill that everyone should be taught regardless of age;
– wear a life jacket or a personal flotation device, even if you are a strong swimmer, as fatigue can set in very quickly;
– adults should closely supervise children at all times around water, as they can drown quickly and quietly; and
– alcohol should be avoided when swimming or boating.
“The results of this review reiterate the need for greater awareness of the hazards of water and the measures that can prevent these deaths,” said McCallum. “Learning to swim, avoiding alcohol while swimming and boating, wearing a life jacket and closely supervising children can save lives.”
