National Drowning Prevention Week (July 21-27) is underway and the focus this year is on non-fatal drowning.
The Lifesaving Society says an average of about 160 people in Ontario die each year from drowning, while there are nearly 570 emergency department visits and 100 hospitalizations from non-fatal drowning.
That has Ontario Provincial Police reminding people to wear their life jackets while on the water.
The OPP in Almaguin Highlands has partnered with the society and the Magnetawan Lions Club for an “I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket’ event this week.
They’re promoting life jacket safety on the water.
Police say a properly fitted life jacket is not only designed to keep boaters and paddlers afloat, but also helps turn them onto their backs in the water, allowing them to breathe if rendered unconscious.
Several Ontario landmarks, including the CN Tower and Niagara Falls will be lit up in blue on Thursday night, for World Drowning Prevention Day.
