With beaches, pools, and lakes seeing some of their busiest days of the year, local organizations are reminding residents that water safety starts with education.
The Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition is marking National Drowning Prevention Week, running from July 19 to 25, with a series of awareness initiatives aimed at helping families stay safe around the water this summer.
One of the week’s signature events is the Community Education Night, taking place Thursday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Shaw’s Ice Cream on Sunset Drive in St. Thomas.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a Lifejacket Fit Clinic, free water safety resources, opportunities to meet local first responders, along with games and prizes for children.
The evening is designed to give residents practical safety tips whether they’re spending time at the beach, out on the boat, or enjoying the backyard pool this summer.
Community partners taking part include the City of St. Thomas, Central Elgin Fire Rescue and Beach Rescue, Elgin OPP, the YMCA St. Thomas, the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, Elgin County Tourism, myFM, and the Rip Current Information Project.
The Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition stresses that a few simple safety measures, like wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, supervising children around water, and learning about local water conditions, can help prevent tragedies before they happen.
Residents are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, pick up free resources, and enjoy an evening of education and family fun while supporting a safer community around the water.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
