Before you think only other swimmers drown, have a word with yourself.

100 Ontarians die each year due to drowning

BELLEVILLE, Ont., July 17, 2013 – Media are invited to attend the July 23rd launch event of a local water safety campaign at Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park, in which towels, emblazoned with the words “Before you think only other swimmers drown, have a word with yourself”, will be laid, as a reminder that we are all at risk of drowning. During this National Drowning Prevention Week (July 20-27), the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, along with Parachute and the Community against Preventable Injuries (Preventable), are asking Ontarians to have a word with themselves before getting in the water.

Between 2001 and 2005, more than 500 people in Ontario lost their lives due to drowning. Research indicates that most drownings occur during the summer months. Major risk factors include alcohol use among those age 15-65, failing to wear a lifejacket while boating and lack of supervision for children.

Who:
Pamela Fuselli, Parachute
Cindy Kirkpatrick, Kerri Jianopoulos and Andrew Landy, Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit

Where and When:
11 a.m., July 23, at Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park (rain date, July 24.)
More information:
See www.parachutecanada.org and www.preventable.ca

Media Contacts

Cindy Kirkpatrick
Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit
Tel : 613-966-5513 ext. 336
Email : ckirkpatrick@hpechu.on.ca

Kathy Blair
Parachute
Tel: 647-776-5125
Email : kblair@parachutecanada.org

Almira Bardai
Jive Communications
Tel: 604-561-7516
Email: almira@jivecommunications.ca

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