The WaterWise team had the opportunity to attend Ukee Days 2017 at Ucluelet to promote water safety, boat safety, and drowning prevention. The WW team engaged with families and children through interactive games and asking safety-related questions. The team felt that it was important to spread the information as the town is surrounded by lakes and the ocean. The most valuable message implemented was the importance of wearing a properly-fitting life jacket. They were also able to collaborate with the AdventureSmart Team to advocate for outdoor safety.
The Team Heads to Ucluelet and Tofino
The WaterWise Team will be promoting drowning prevention and water safety to local boaters, kayakers and water enthusiasts this weekend in Ucluelet.
The WaterWise Team’s objective is to increase awareness about drownings and encourage the public to enjoy boating and water-related activities in a safe and responsible manner.
Look for the WaterWise Boat Safety Team in Ucluelet and Tofino this weekend, July 21st-23rd.
This Week is National Drowning Prevention Week
Get involved and promote drowning prevention in your community!
The Lifesaving Society designates the third 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, and deliver public demonstrations and other events. Many successful community events are launched with a Mayor’s Proclamation of Drowning Prevention Week.
MAIN MESSAGES
The main messages below were selected because of the major risk factors presented in the Canadian Drowning Report – 2017 Edition.
• If you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far. Always supervise children.
• Boat sober. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities.
• Wear It. Always wear a Lifejacket or PFD.
• Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
GET INVOLVED DURING NDPW
• Promote National Drowning Prevention Week and Lifesaving Society by sharing our website or the NDPW banner on your own website. Click the NDWP logo on our homepage to find links to drowning prevention resources!
• Talk to friends, colleagues, customers, and family about the drowning prevention. Help us spread the message by encouraging them to be safe in, on and around the water.
• Retweet, like, post and share our National Drowning Prevention Week content on your social media channels. Don't forget to tag #NDPW and @LifesavingBCYK so we can see your posts!
• Share pictures from local NDPW events with us! We would love to feature them on our social media and in a future edition of the Lifeliner.
Get caught in your lifejacket!
The WaterWise team is excited to announce that their annual #CaughtYouWearingIt contest is back!
Show your friends and family you are WaterWise by posting a photo of you in your favorite PFD or Lifejacket for a chance to win fantastic weekly prizes!
To enter, follow the steps below:
Post a photo of you in a PFD or Lifejacket on the waters of B.C. with the hashtag #CaughtYouWearingIt
Tag @WaterWiseTeam in the photo
Special shout out to last week's winning photo featured above. You may recognize the winners who happen to be some of our exceptional volunteers!
WaterWise Team Reaches 10,977 Students Through Free Presentations
Nearly 11,000 elementary and middle school students across the province of British Columbia received important boat and water safety education through the WaterWise Wisdom Program this season.
Led by enthusiastic Team Members, Jen Lee & Jenny Gleimius, the WaterWise Team traveled the Lower Mainland, Interior, and Island regions, providing free boat and water safety education to youth. The Team covered topics such as risks of cliff jumping, lifejacket safety, the dangers of boating and drinking, and how to be an advocate for their own safety when in or around the water. Schools were encouraged to 'Share It!' as students participated in the Team's #CaughtYouSharingIt school contest.
TEACHER FEEDBACK
“Lots of user-friendly and age-appropriate water safety tips! Please ensure to keep this an annual presentation as it is extremely relevant for our Okanagan Valley Schools.”
“This is SO relevant and important for our students who are in and around the water regularly. I liked the questions and opportunities for the kids to answer and participate.”
“Enthusiastic, energetic presenters who used informative visuals to engage the students.”
“Presenters both had good energy - friendly and approachable. Powerpoint had good visuals and were kid-friendly!”