Wrapping up Water Safety Week…

In last week’s installment of the A1 Security Crime of the Week, Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers took the opportunity to remind everyone that it was ‘Water Safety Week’, an annual campaign to educate Canadians on how to stay safe around water and prevent drowning incidents.

Every year, approximately 520 Canadians die needlessly in unintentional water-related fatalities. Sadly, a high percentage of these preventable water-related fatalities consist of young children, almost always due to lack of or inadequate supervision.

A record number of backyard pools are being installed in Sarnia and Lambton County and many new pool owners are first-time “pool families”.  Owning a pool can be a blessing on these hot and humid days but pool ownership also carries huge responsibilities for the safety of everyone who swims there – including the neighbour kids and any other visitors.

Water Safety Week is a reminder that although safety begins at home, it extends to the beach, the lake, boating, safety equipment and water sports.  The OPP continues to patrol our waterways with an eye to enforcement and education.

Operating a boat or watercraft while impaired can lead to serious or even fatal consequences and Crime Stoppers urges you to report “Impaired Boating” incidents for the protection of all.

Learn the rules and recommendations that will help you enjoy a safe summer on the water – in the backyard, at the cottage or at our local beaches…