Proclamation - National Drowning Prevention Week (July 16th to 22nd, 2023)

Whereas in the Town of Arnprior, we are fortunate to have wonderful waterfront parks and beach and an indoor pool providing countless recreational opportunities for residents and visitors; and

Whereas drowning is a social equity issue that disproportionately affects children and adolescents in rural areas, with many countries around the world reporting drowning as the leading cause of childhood mortality and drowning being among the 10 leading causes of death globally for 5- to-14-year-olds; and

Whereas the mission of Lifesaving Society Canada is to prevent drowning throughout Canada and approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents each year;

Whereas most drownings are preventable in a Water Smart community, and only through Water Smart education and a healthy respect for the potential danger that any body of water may present can we genuinely enjoy the beauty and recreation opportunities offered by these bodies of water; and

Whereas the Town of Arnprior encourages families to supervise children who are in and around the water, to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities, and to always wear a lifejacket when boating; and

Whereas Lifesaving Society Canada has declared July 16th to 22nd, 2023 as National Drowning Prevention Week to focus on the drowning problem and the hundreds of lives that could be saved this year;

Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Lisa McGee, Mayor, do hereby proclaim July 16th to 22nd, 2023 as “National Drowning Prevention Week” in the Town of Arnprior and encourages all residents and visitors to practice good water safety while enjoying our local waterways and aquatic amenities.

Lisa McGee, Mayor
Town of Arnprior