In the midst of National Drowning Prevention Week, the Manitoba government has announced the expansion of its life-jacket loan program for swimmers in Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
“A tragedy on the water can occur in the blink of an eye, which means never leaving children alone near water and always keeping them in sight,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires.
“Small children should always be within arm’s reach around the water and we encourage everyone, especially young children and those who cannot swim, to always wear a life-jacket.”
The new Spruce Woods Provincial Park life-jacket kiosk was developed through the donation of building materials, signs and life-jackets by the Friends of Spruce Woods Park and adds to the number of life-jacket loaner stations across the province. In 2017, new kiosks were opened at Bakers Narrows, Gyles Lake and Manitoba’s busiest provincial park, Birds Hill Provincial Park.
National Drowning Prevention Week is a life-saving initiative sponsored by the Lifesaving Society of Canada. The annual campaign, running July 15-21, is devoted to raising awareness of the risks of drowning and is focused on two key messages: always wear a life jacket while in or near water, and keep children within arm’s reach when swimming or playing in water.
