Manitoba Drowning Report Released
Lifesaving Society Canada and the Drowning Prevention Research Centre have released the 2017 Manitoba Drowning Report.
The report states that the highest drowning rate in Manitoba was found among children under the age of 5 and was the highest among any province in Canada. The second highest age group for drownings in Manitoba was ages 20-24, with 3.4 drownings per 100,000, a rate that is nearly double the national rate of 1.8 drownings per 100,000. Swimming, walking/running/playing near water, and boating remain leading causes of drownings in Manitoba and 96% of boating deaths were not wearing a Lifejacket.
Lifesaving Society Manitoba reminds Manitobans to manage your risk. Take a minute to evaluate the drowning risks you face each day, be it playing at the waterfront with kids, boating, or fishing. Wear a lifejacket, supervise children, and remember that alcohol and boating or swimming do not mix.