As National Drowning Prevention Week continues, the Ontario Provincial Police is urging residents to take water safety seriously following a spike in drowning deaths across eastern Ontario.
Ten people have died in marine-related incidents so far this summer in the region—more than double the total at this time last year. In every case, the victim was not wearing a life jacket.
“This is about education and changing the mindset,” said Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander. “This is about coming home safely and ensuring that everyone, adults and children, are safe on or near the water.”
The warning comes as the Lifesaving Society promotes its Safer Together campaign, focused on simple steps that can prevent tragedies—like using lifejackets, swimming with a buddy, and choosing lifeguard-supervised areas.
Data from the Society show that 89 percent of boating-related drowning victims weren’t wearing a lifejacket. For young children, lack of supervision is a key factor. And among older adults, swimming alone significantly increases the risk.
Both the OPP and the Lifesaving Society are urging Ontarians to make water safety a shared responsibility this summer.
