The Lifesaving Society of BC is calling on the Minister of Public Safety, Mike Farnworth, to fund a drowning-prevention program for B.C. students.
And this week, after a second person has drowned this summer in Buntzen Lake, maybe it’s time the MLA from Port Coquitlam took action on this issue.
Admittedly, Farnworth's ministry is in the midst of dealing with one of the worst fire seasons ever in this province. But the hot weather also draws people to local lakes, where they put themselves in danger if they can’t swim.
So far, 42 people have drowned this year in B.C., a crisis if there ever was one, and the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive program should be mandatory in schools.
According to the International Life Saving Federation, survival swimming can reduce the numbers of death from aquatic incidents by 50%.
With so many beaches and so few protected by lifeguards, it’s time British Columbians were taught to take water survival seriously.
Like fire safety and bike safety, children deserve the right to learn life skills that will keep them alive in the water now and into the future.
