National Drowning Prevention Week - July 19-24, 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week – July 19-24, 2021
Suggested Themes and Messages
INTRODUCTION
The Lifesaving Society designates the third full week in July as National Drowning Prevention
Week (NDPW) to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning
prevention.
NDPW provides a focus around which community Water Smart® educators can plan news
releases, do television, and radio interviews, run public demonstrations, deliver public training
events, and otherwise promote drowning prevention messages and events. Many successful
community events are launched with a Mayor’s Proclamation of Drowning Prevention Week.
The themes below will be advertised throughout Canada during NDPW. These themes address
trends seen in the Society’s drowning reports and data from the Drowning Prevention Research
Centre. The messages are suggestions for how to target the 7 key themes of NDPW. These
themes and messages can be used on social media - be sure to include the #NDPW2021 and
#SNPN2021 hashtags. When posting or creating pictures, remember people are diverse, so try
to include all people in social media pictures.
7 MAIN THEMES TO EMPHASIZE
The main messages were selected from the major risk factors as identified in the Drowning reports
from the past several years. Please review your Branch drowning report for area specific statistics
at https://www.lifesaving.ca/national-drowning-report.php
1. Prevent Drowning. Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents
annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
2. Supervise Children. Always directly supervise children around the water - if you are not
within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
3. Boating Safety. Choose it. Use it. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
4. Learn to Swim to Survive. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the
water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into
the water?
5. Stay Sober In, On, and Around the Water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in many
water related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impair balance, judgment, and
reflexes. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
6. Open Water Safety. Make smart choices before going in, on or around the water.
7. Be Water Smart All Year. You can save a life, yours, and someone else’s. Take a learn-
to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 2
THEME 1 - SUNDAY: INTRODUCTION TO NDPW & THE DROWNING PROBLEM
Purpose Key Messages Suggested Activities & Resources Suggested Social Media Ideas
• Present and highlight What • Declare July 18th – 24th 2021 Drowning #NDPW2021
National Drowning Prevention Week in your community. #SNPN2021
Prevention Week.
• National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) is the
Lifesaving Society’s annual drowning prevention • Proclamation to City Councils/Mayor. #drowningispreventable
• Introduce the drowning awareness event. #drowningprevention
problem in a Canadian
• Get in contact with local news and radio
When to promote drowning prevention. • Send out tweets highlighting Provincial and/or
context (reference the
current Canadian • The Lifesaving Society’s NDPW takes place July • Invite the media to your facility. National statistics.
Drowning Report for 18-24, 2021. • Post photos of people in front of a NDPW
• Contact your Lifesaving Society branch
statistics). Who is at risk – the statistics for a copy of a proclamation request banner.
• Introduce the drowning • With over 400 Canadians drowning in preventable letter and a media release outline. • Social media giveaway contest of Lifesaving
problem in a local water-related incidents annually, drowning is the Society T-Shirt.
context (reference the third leading cause of unintentional death among
current provincial and • Post a picture of a dressed-up manikin on a
Canadians under 60+ years of age. Even one creative drowning prevention adventure for each
territorial Drowning drowning is one too many.
Reports for statistics) day of NDPW.
• The age groups with the highest risk of drowning
. are young adults 20-34 years of age, baby boomers
50-64 years of age and seniors over 65. Children
under the age of 5 are also at risk.
• Most commonly victims of drowning are male,
especially those between 20-34 years of age.LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 3
THEME 2 - MONDAY: SUPERVISE CHILDREN
Suggested Action &
Purpose Key Messages Activities Suggested Social Media Ideas
Targeting Don’t wait until it appears on your News Feed! • Contact your local #NDPW2021
parents/caregivers The majority of drownings in children under 5 years of age is due to a lack of branch for colouring #SNPN2021
of children under supervision. sheets for kids
#drowningispreventable
the age of 5 years. • Provide a backyard
Drowning is fast and silent; often occurring in less than 30 seconds: #drowningprevention
Always directly pool safety checklist
It is critical that parents watch their children while they are in the water and not be #withinarmsreach
supervise children • Host a family swim
distracted – watch your children not your phone.
in on and around safety day • Send out tweets highlighting
the water. Stay within arm’s reach! Adults should always be within arm’s reach of young children Provincial and/or National statistics.
when in or near the water.
• Watch me, not your phone
Watch Me Not Your Phone campaign materials.
Unattended toddlers are high risk because they are mobile, curious and require close • Photos of caregivers/supervisors
and constant supervision by an adult. within arm’s reach of children.
Lifejackets and other flotation devices are a layer of protection, but do not replace • Photo of a parent/caregiver on the
adult supervision. phone while children are swimming
Most of these children were alone and playing near water when they fell in and (illustration in several environments,
drowned. i.e.: chalet, beach, camping, pool)
Infants and young children under 5 years are especially at risk in the bathtub. • Photo of a parent/caregiver
In [province/territory], infants and young children represent X % of bathtub drowning swimming with children while a
victims. Children less than 5 years of age should always be watched during this daily phone is on the table, appropriately
activity. Leave your phone or tablet out of the bathroom. left behind.
Backyard Pool Safety • If relevant include backyard pool
safety tips
Discuss backyard pool safety.
• Launch a social media giveaway
Each year, private backyard pools continue to be the primary setting where children
contest of ’On Guard cards’ or
1-4 years of age most often drown.
whistle. These items can be
Provide on guard and direct supervision by designating a responsible adult to be a purchased at
‘backyard pool lifeguard’. www.lifeguarddepot.com
Make sure water toys are stored away after the swim is over so that children are not
encouraged to return next to the pool.LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 4
It is important to ensure that your backyard pool is designed to be safe so that it is not
accessible to children. Control and restrict access to the water with multiple layers of
protection such as self-closing gates, fences, etc.
Invite people to carry out a self-evaluation of their pool layout to ensure that it is safe.
(Refer to your branch’s website, i.e.: perfect swimming
http://www.perfectswimming.com/en/self-evaluation-test).LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 5
THEME 3 - TUESDAY: BOATING SAFETY
Purpose Key Messages Suggested Action & Activities Suggested Social Media Ideas
• Focus on the risk Always Wear a Lifejacket • Host a boat safety day with search & #NDPW2021
factors associated with • Choose It. Use It. Always wear a Lifejacket. rescue/conservation officers at a public, #SNPN2021
boating. • Lifejackets do not work if you do not wear them. provincial or regional park.
#drowningispreventable
• Highlight safe boating Not wearing a Lifejacket was a factor in most • Run a mock boat rescue at a
#drowningprevention
practices. boating deaths. lake/waterfront - invite media to open
discussion on boating safety. #boatsafety
• Promote the • Lifejackets are like seatbelts. They help you if the
Startboating® program • Host a lifejacket clinic. #wearalifejacket
unexpected happens.
for New Canadians. • Provide a boat equipment/boat safety • Send out tweets highlighting Provincial and/or
See startboating.ca
• Lifejackets are for every age and ability. Even
checklist. National statistics.
strong swimmers need to wear lifejackets.
Get Trained • Provide a checklist for ensuring your • Send out tweets highlighting statistics around
Lifejackets are in good shape. unsafe behaviour when boating.
• Get the training! Take your boating safety course
– get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. • Visit Mission Plouf / Splashy Mission • Tweets promoting the PCO exam at
Be Prepared website (French: Radio- branches/affiliates if relevant.
canada.ca/missionplouf / • Share the STARTboating® campaign materials
• Know before you go. Check the weather forecast
English: http://www.nagerpoursurvivre.co and/or link to www.startboating.ca website.
and learn about local hazards.
m/games/ )
• Always have a boat safety kit on board. Check the • Photos of boat and safety equipment.
condition of the boat and accessories. • Photos of people wearing PFDs on a boat.
Safety Tips • Split screen photo of do and don’t with PFDs
• STARTboating® is a national program from the (worn out lifejackets vs. good condition
Lifesaving Society designed to educate new lifejacket, standing up in a boat vs. sitting down
boaters on the basics of how to be safe and properly).
responsible boaters. • Video of how to properly wear and size a PFD
• Don't boat alone. Boating alone was a major risk on a range of different ages and sizes.
factor in boating-related fatalities. Emphasize the importance of every age
• Watch out for other swimmers and boaters. wearing lifejackets regardless of swimming
Always have a spotter when towing water skiers ability.
and tube riders.
• Ensure you have boating equipment that is
appropriate to the season.LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 6
THEME 4 – WEDNESDAY: LEARN TO SWIM TO SURVIVE®
Suggested Action & Activity
Purpose Key Messages Suggested Social Media Ideas
• Highlight the Swim to Survive • Support affiliates in setting up Swim to #NDPW2021
importance of learning • Swim skills need to be taught; they are not innate. Survive® events at local facilities. #SNPN2021
to swim. Most drowning occur close to safety – can you (Opportunity for cross promotion with
#swimtosurvive
• Emphasize survival survive an accidental or unintentional fall into the affiliates)
#drowningispreventable
swimming skills. water? • Run a Swim to Survive® Day
#drowningprevention
• Highlight opportunities • Swim to Survive® is different than swimming lessons • Contact your local branch for Swim to
to learn Swim to - not a replacement for them. Survive® resources (Have a social
Survive. Contact your • Swim to Survive® teaches the necessary skills to media link back that brings you to • Send out tweets highlighting Provincial
summer affiliates to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Meeting digital resources) and/or National statistics.
involve all pools in the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard is an • Family Swim to Survive® poster.
Swim to Survive important first step to being safe around water. • Photos of families, children, teens,
• Basic swimming ability is a requirement of any young adults and grandparents trying
meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. the Swim to Survive® standard.
Swim to Survive® defines the minimum swim skills • Video of people doing Swim to
needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Survive®.
• The Swim to Survive Skills are based on most • Video of the variations of the Swim to
common contributors to drowning in Canada Survive® skills.
• Make sure all family members can learn the 3 skills: • Run a social media giveaway contest
Roll into deep water for Swim to Survive® T-shirt and
Tread water for 1 minute temporary tattoos. Can be purchased at
www.lifeguarddepot.com.
Swim 50 metersLIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 7
THEME 5 – THURSDAY: STAY SOBER IN, ON AND AROUND THE WATER
Suggested Action & Activities
Purpose Key Messages Suggested Social Media Ideas
• Share messages Boat & Swim Sober • Beer goggles simulator for walking #NDPW2021
about the importance • Alcohol and drugs impair your senses, reduce your along a dock or other ”water” related #SNPN2021
of staying sober while ability to react to danger, and increase your chance of course. Could include a small wading
#drowningispreventable
in on and around the being involved in a fatal drowning. pool under appropriate lifeguard
water. supervision. #drowningprevention
• Impaired boating is just like impaired driving. By
• If possible, obtain beer goggles and a #watersmart
operating a boat under the influence, you put not only
your life at risk, but also those of your passengers and vehicle simulator, have the simulator #boatsober
other boaters. set up for a boat instead of a car. #swimsober
Alcohol and Water Don’t Mix! • Hand out Water Smart Tip Cards – #dontdrinkanddrown
• Alcohol is the number one intoxicant contributing to They can be purchased at
• Send out tweets highlighting Provincial
drowning fatalities in Canada every year. lifeguarddepot.com and/or National statistics.
• Alcohol is a contributing factor to fatal drowning in x% of • Contact your local Branch about • Boat Sober posters and images (Canadian
boating fatalities and y% of swimming fatalities every posters and other safety education Safe Boating Council and Lifesaving
year in Canada (or your local area). items you might be able to hand out. Society, MADD, etc.)
• Don’t Drink and Drown!LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 8
THEME 6 - FRIDAY: OPEN WATER SAFETY
Suggested Action & Activities
Purpose Key Messages Suggested Social Media Ideas
• Targeting all those who Stay Safe • Social media giveaway contest for participants #NDPW2021
work or play in or • On average, 70% of all fatal drownings in who share pictures or stories about being safe #SNPN2021
around open water. Canada occur in open water such as lakes, around open water.
#drowningispreventable
Open water areas ponds, rivers and streams. • Plan an open water safety scavenger hunt.
constitute the highest #drowningprevention
• Swimming in open water is different from • Host a colouring contest for local children.
number of fatal #watersmart
swimming in a pool. Know your limits and • Contact your local Branch about activity and
drownings in Canada check local conditions before going in. #bewatersmart
every year. colouring sheets for children and youth.
• If you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone #knowyourlimits
• Emphasize that • Create a labelled picture of a local open water
too far! Always supervise children. area identifying hazards. #feetfirstfirsttime
thinking ahead,
knowing your limits, • Many fatal drownings occur when people are • Provide a pre-departure safety checklist for #knowbeforeyougo
and preparation helps swimming alone. Always swim with a buddy! people to use before heading out to their local • Send out tweets highlighting Provincial
avoid many injuries and • When you have the choice, swim in waterfront. and/or National statistics.
deaths in open water. supervised open water areas or • Visit Mission Plouf / Splashy Mission website • Focus on local stories to reinforce
environments. (French: Radio-canada.ca/missionplouf / statistics.
Be Prepared English: • Photos of people doing activities in and
• Know before you go! Check weather and http://www.nagerpoursurvivre.com/games/ around open water locations.
water conditions before heading out.
• Set up a safety display at a local waterfront that • Photos of supervised children playing in
• Know what’s below! Go in feet first, first time is used for recreation activities like boating, and around open water areas. The
where you cannot see below the surface. swimming, and wading. children need to be wearing lifejackets
• Protect your neck! Never dive into shallow • Hand out Water Smart Tip Cards – Can be and be Within Arms’ Reach of their adult.
water. purchased at lifeguarddepot.com • Photos of dangerous open water
• Areas of open water may have currents or • Contact your local Branch about other safety conditions like waves, obvious currents,
waves that can pull you under. Learn about education items you might be able to hand out. underwater rocks, weeds, etc.
local conditions before going in.
• Leave inflatable mattresses or other floating
toys at home. At the lake or beach, you are
at a risk to be swept out past safety.LIFESAVING SOCIETY
National Drowning Prevention Week Suggested Messages and Themes – 2021 pg. 9
THEME 7 - SATURDAY: BE WATERSMART® ALL YEAR
Suggested Action &
Purpose Key Messages Suggested Social Media Ideas
Activities
• Emphasize training Learn • Provide information on your #NDPW2021
that can save lives. • Register yourself and your family in swimming lessons. Swimming is a facilities courses. #SNPN2021
• Continue promoting life skill that lasts a lifetime. • Contact your local branch for #drowningispreventable
water safe • Take a Lifesaving Society Bronze course to learn important self-rescue resources on ice safety.
#drowningprevention
behaviours in on and first aid skills. • Practice a simulated ice
and around the #learntoswim
• Learn how to rescue others from water emergencies in the Lifesaving and/or cold water self-rescue.
water throughout Society’s Bronze Medallion course. • Send out tweets highlighting
the year.
• Hand out Water Smart/Ice Tip Provincial and/or National
• Take a Bronze medal, Lifesaving First Aid, or CPR course today. cards – Can be purchased at
statistics.
Stay Safe In, On and Around the Water, In All Seasons lifeguarddepot.com
• Photos of multicultural children
• Always ensure ice is safe and strong before going out on it. Avoid and adults taking swim lessons.
slushy ice, thawed ice that has recently refrozen, ice after sudden
temperature changes and ice near moving water (i.e. rivers or currents). • Photos of public trying lifesaving
skills.
• When going out onto the ice on a recreational vehicle, wear buoyant
• Photos of a group of people doing
suits with thermal protection to increase your chances of survival if you
go through the ice. If you do not have one, wear a lifejacket/PFD over CPR on manikins.
an ordinary snowmobile suit or layered winter clothing. • Photo of Bronze medals.
• Adjust all boating equipment according to the season. • Photo of ice safety cards.
• No ice is without some risk. Even thick ice may be weak. Be sure to • Social media giveaway contest for
measure clear hard ice in several places. first aid equipment and/or whistle
• Drowning prevention is a year-round effort. Always be safe in, on, and
around water and ice.You can also read
