A challenge - Swim to Survive

As published in MapleLine Magazine: May 6, 2009

by Mary P. Brooke

The participatory and educational Swim to Survive Challenge activity is part of Drowning Prevention Week, being held this year across Canada from July 18 to 25, 2009.

"The lifesaving society challenges all residents in Sooke to complete the BC- and Yukon-wide Swim to Survive Challenge," says Elizabeth Olsen, Aquatic Programmer at Sooke's SEAPARC Leisure Complex.

The challenge aims to reduce drowning by 50% within 10 years. The challenge standards is based on three basic swimming skills that are needed to recover from an unexpected fall into deep water: ROLL INTO DEEP WATER. TREAD WATER FOR ONE MINUTE. SWIM 50 METERS.

More than 60% of drowning deaths in Canada occur during summer recreational activities. Drownings are surpassed only by highway fatalities and unexpected falls. About 66% of drownings occur just 15 meters from safety. Unintentional water entries are preventable by wearing personal flotation devices and learning basic swim skills.

Sooke residents are invited to undertake the Swim to Survive challenge at SEAPARC on July 18. A certificate will be awarded for successful completion of the basic skill test. Swim instructors will be on hand to help. "If your child has had a fearful aquatic experience, they can sease back into swim classes with a swim buddy or a few private lessons," says Olsen. MM

Elizabeth Olsen is the Aquatic Programmer at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex in Sooke, BC.

Photo (copyright MapleLine Magazine): Taken at SEAPARC Leisure Complex where a swim class was practising the three Swim to Survive skills.

See the printed article on page 7 of MapleLine Magazine (Spring-Summer 2009 issue / May-Jul.2009).

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