National Drowning Prevention Week has been proclaimed from July 19-25 and serves as a reminder to Saskatchewan residents to take precautions if you are heading to the lake this summer.

According to the 2019 Saskatchewan Drowning report put out by the Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada, 42 per cent of drownings took place at a lake or pond.

Shelby Rushton, CEO of the Saskatchewan Lifesaving Society, said drowning in the province is very prevalent.

“In Saskatchewan, we see about 20 drownings per year, that’s averaging of course,” she said.

“Last year was a little bit lower but this year I’m not sure what to expect because we’ve already had three in the last couple of weeks and with the high water levels, unfortunately, we might see more.”

According to the report, 68 per cent of drownings in the province occur between May and September.

Also, with the COVID-19 pandemic, people might be eager to go to the lake.

“I think everyone is so excited to get out of their houses that they are going to the lakes and not making the right decisions because they just want to be out-and-about,” Rushton said.

“If you are going to be out-and-about you still need to remember that water is dangerous and know where the hazards are in the lake.

Some tips to prevent drowning include not going into water over your head if you are a novice swimmer. Rushton recommended staying in water no higher than your waiter and consider wearing a life jacket.

According to the drowning report, 33 per cent of drowning in Saskatchewan in 2019 occurred while swimming, the most out of any other recreational activity.

Rushton said kids should be actively supervised and children five and under should be within an arm’s reach. She added that watching your phone is not actively supervising. The report says no supervision or a distracted supervisor was a factor in 100 per cent of children drowning in Saskatchewan in 2019.

If you are renting or own a boat, know how to properly operate it and no stunting. Lifejackets should be worn in the boat as well, or if you are swimming in water you don’t feel comfortable in. You should also refrain from drinking alcohol with boating or swimming.

More tips and information can be found on the Saskatchewan Lifesaving Society’s website.