For the first time in 20 years, drownings in Quebec are expected to fall below 60 this year, and the Lifesaving Society is crediting awareness campaigns for the drop.
Statistics from a Lifesaving Society report show a steady decline in drownings in the province.
“Right now we have 42 drownings versus 53 for same time last year,” said Quebec’s Lifesaving Society executive director Raynald Hawkins. “We are the lowest per capita of drowning situations. This is good news for Quebec.”
Good news, but he admits many still miss the basics of water safety, particularly wearing a life jacket.
Two thirds of drownings occur in lakes and rivers, and the group most at risk is young men between 18 and 25 years old. For those reasons, efforts have been made to get the message out about life jackets.
“You need swimming skills, but you need to wear life jacket. When you wear your car seatbelt it's not because you plan on having an accident, but in case you do,” he said.
