By Brian Schultz
An emphasis on water safety was made Wednesday at the Manitoba legislature as National Drowning Prevention Week approaches.
Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau urged Manitobans to wear lifejackets while on the water this summer and become aware of other life-saving safety measures while having fun.
“It only takes a second for a great day on the water to turn tragic,” Rondeau said. “We urge parents and guardians to keep small children within arm’s reach at all times, and now, even if you forget a lifejacket, you can borrow one for the day.”
The Kids Don’t Float lifejacket loaner program includes loaner stations at beaches in provincial parks where no life guards are on duty. The first station is at the beach in Campers Cove boat launch at Clearwater Provincial Park. Other stations will be added later this year at St. Malo, Moose Lake, Grass River, Paint Lake, Stephenfield, Manipogo and Rainbow Beach provincial parks.
The program is a partnership between the province and the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters.
National Drowning Prevention Week is July 20-27.
