National Drowning Prevention Week: July 21 - 27

July 21, 2023

National Drowning Prevention Week takes place July 21 - 27, and the Aquatics team at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre has organized a variety of fun and educational activities for the community.

Sunday, July 21, is themed The Drowning Problem. At the Rec Centre, there will be a demonstration/education talk, trow, and reach rescue with patrons from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Rachel. 

Monday, July 22, is themed Non-Fatal Drownings. Join us from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. as Cassidy demonstrates and educates everyone on what drowning looks like; Drowning non-swimmer, Submerged, or Injured. 

Tuesday, July 23, is themed Backyear pool & open water safety. The Rec Centre will be hosting a demonstration of the ladder approach with Coral from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 24, is all about Swim to Survive. Lifeguards at the Rec Centre will watch patrons do their Swim to Survive skills (roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 metres) and give out certificates. Join Abby and Sara from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 25, is themed Supervising Children In, On and Around Water. Take the "Are you water-smart?" quiz at any time at the Customer Service desk at the Rec Centre. 

Friday, July 26, is themed Boating Safety & PFD wear. The Rec Centre will be hosting a lifejacket clinic and children aged 3-12 who select appropriately sized lifejackets will receive free admission to the pool during family swim.

Saturday, July 27, is themed Alcohol & Substance Use. Alcohol and drugs impair your senses, reduce your ability to react to danger and increase your chance of being involved in a fatal drowning. Join Simon at the Rec Centre from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a how-to call for-help demonstration. 

Contact the Rec Centre to learn more about our aquatic programming. You can learn lifesaving skills, like how to use the ladder approach and practice hitting a target with rescue aids. For further information, contact the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre at 780-865-4412. Follow the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Facebook Page for daily updates during National Drowning Prevention Week, July 21-27.