Allstate Canada issues drowning warning

In time for summer, Allstate Canada has issued an advisory warning for Quebecers to exercise caution while spending time next to the water.

The advisory was published to remind vacationers of National Drowning Prevention Week – which runs from July 21-27. According to a recent Léger poll conducted on behalf of Allstate Canada, more than half of Quebecers (55%) say they will take a vacation close to a body of water, with 20% close to a lake, 14% a pool and 8% a river.

The poll also discovered the following:

• Only 32% of Quebecers surveyed said they always keep an eye on their children under 12 years old.
• About 24% said they take turns among adults to watch children 12 years and under.
• 21% said they carefully watch their children, but also said that at the same time they would also occasionally carry out another activity simultaneously or multitask.

Another report by the Lifesaving Society Quebec Branch for the year 2018 found that 70% of drownings occurred in natural environments. Specifically, 41% of accidents occurred by rivers, 28% by lakes or ponds, and 13% by pools. The report also discovered that the percentage drastically drops to 1% regardless of the location once the people involved are supervised.

“With the excitement that comes with having a fun day out in the sun, it can be easy to forget the importance of water safety,” said Allstate Canada agency manager Sara Wilhelmy. “Water safety is about more than rules; it’s about understanding the unpredictability of water and how to protect yourself and your family to ensure an enjoyable vacation or backyard experience.”

“Time and again, the coroner’s investigation reports find that drowning is almost always preventable. In that regard, planning ahead and constant supervision are essential to keeping everyone safe,” added Lifesaving Society Quebec Branch executive director Raynald Hawkins.