Water safety should start long before you get near the water
National Drowning Prevention Week runs from July 19 to 25 this year. This year's most prominent theme is, "Prepare to be Water Smart," focusing on planning ahead, building skills, and making smart choices around water to save lives.
Melanie Corbett, who has been a Life Guard since 2011, and has been with the Town of Tillsonburg since 2018, says drowning prevention is always top of mind in her role. She is currently Aquatics Supervisor for the Town of Tillsonburg, and says one of the most important aspects of lifeguarding is being proactive:
One of the most frightening things for any parent is the fear of their child drowning. It is a deep, protective anxiety, and can range from cautious vigilance to an intense, almost irrational avoidance of water, often shaped by past experiences, observed dangers, and devastating stories they have heard.
Corbett says that vigilance, rather than fear, is important, and has advice for concerned parents:
Drowning, as Melanie Corbett says, is known as a silent killer, so it's important for everyone to take steps to be prepared and protected. Choosing lifeguard-supervised settings, staying within arms’ reach, swimming with a buddy, wearing a lifejacket...even reviewing scenarios as a family to ensure everyone knows how to behave safely.
With the town's indoor pool closed for summer maintenance, Corbett says the Town of Tillsonburg lifeguarding crew is particularly busy this summer:
With its theme 'Prepare to be Water Smart’ the focus of this year's National Drowning Prevention Week, and prioritizing preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer on the water, it's important to remember that water safety starts before you leave the house.
