Mississauga, Ontario 
The water, and drowning, claims the lives of more than 400 people per year in Canada. While children are certainly the most vulnerable in the water – especially children who have not learned vital swimming and water safety skills – the water is unforgiving even for adults with years of swimming experience. Whether you are new to the water, or think of yourself as an experienced swimmer, below are some important facts and considerations to keep in mind about water safety as as adult.
One small mistake can result in a drowning death
You can be enjoying the water one moment, accidentally inhale a lung-full of water, or bump your head on a rock, or floating hazard you weren’t even aware of, and that can be it. The cause of drowning is often mysterious. Such was the case just this summer when a local Mississauga man who, according to local news, was enjoying the water with friends and family one minute, and ended up submerged inexplicably, only to drown. When swimming in large bodies of water, it is important to know of any strong currents in the area, when and how they can pick up, and what to do if you find yourself being dragged under.
Drowning and alcohol
One of the major complicating factors when it comes to adult drownings is most certainly alcohol-related deaths. For many people in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area, alcohol and the water go hand in hand. You might be on a boat enjoying summer drinks with friends and family, or have taken a cooler full of beers to a local swimming hole on a long weekend; either way, drinking presents obvious risks when doing so anywhere near the water. Becoming intoxicated while swimming, boating, or doing anything on the water is never a good idea, and anyone appearing inebriated and not in control of themselves around the water should be carefully monitored.
Just because you have spent your life on, or near the water, does not mean you are immune to the dangers. Take the necessary preventative measures, understand that you are not invulnerable, and don’t do anything to needlessly jeopardize your, or others’ safety while enjoying water and avoid becoming yet another statistic. If you feel you need to brush up on your swimming skills and water competency, get in touch with British Swim School and find out more about adult swimming lessons in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.
References
(2016). “Canadian Drowning Report.” Lifesaving Society: 1-12. Retrieved from: http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/media/241812/canadiandrowningreport_english_web.pdf
Carbone, J. (2018). “Mississauga man drowns in Lake Huron.” Global News. Retrieved from: https://globalnews.ca/news/4411027/mississauga-man-drowns-lake-huron-2/
