Barbara Byers Lifesaving Society- Canada National Drowning Prevention Symposium April 27, Lifesaving Society

Transcription

1 Barbara Byers Lifesaving Society- Canada National Drowning Prevention Symposium April 27, 2010 Lifesaving Society National volunteer organization and registered charity Educating Canadians since years Full service provider of programs, products and services designed to prevent drowning 1

2 Lifesaving Society Save lives and prevent injury through training programs, Water Smart public education, water incident research, aquatic safety management and lifesaving sport Annually, 700,000+ Canadians participate in our swimming, i lifesaving, i lifeguard, first aid and leadership programs Lifesaving Society Establishes the aquatic safety standards and consults on aquatic safety issues for the aquatic industry, governments and the judiciary As Canada s lifeguarding experts, we set the standard for lifeguard training and certify Canada s National Lifeguards 2

3 Drowning Research Have been researching and reporting on drowning and preventable water- related deaths in Canada since 1990 Research provides a fact base on the drowning problem to develop drowning prevention solutions Canada Facts On average, about 500 people drown annually in Canada Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of accidental death for children under 10 years Swimming is the 2nd most popular recreational activity for children under 10 years of age The majority have no intention of going into the water Immersion is sudden and unexpected 2/3 drown within 15 yards of safety 3

4 Drowning Prevention Mission Acquisition of basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning Lifesaving Society s Position Statement (2000) All children deserve the chance to learn basic swim survival skills The acquisition of these skills by Canadian children is worthy of public and government support Affordable training should be available for all children to Canadian Swim-to-Survive Standard 4

5 Why Swim to Survive? Withdrawal of swimming lessons in schools Estimated 60% of Canadian children never enrol in traditional learn-to-swim lessons Swim instruction is not considered by many immigrant i families. Toronto 44% foreignborn; Vancouver 38% Why Swim to Survive? There is more fresh water in Canada than any other country in the world (plus 2 oceans) The water is cold in Canada The shock of unexpectantly falling into deep water can lead to drowning unless survival skills are taught 5

6 Why Swim to Survive? Emphasis is on survival swimming skills versus skill perfection Recognizes that this may be the only instruction a child may receive Recognizes that t most adults do not take lessons Drowning prevention focus Swim to Survive Standard 3-skill sequence: Roll into deep water Tread 1 minute Swim 50 metres 6

7 From a Standard to a Program Survival focus 3 skills 3 lessons In 3 hours Grade 3 students During school time Swim to Survive School Grant Program Parents receive a handout and 2 letters Teachers receive 3 lesson plans and activity sheets for 3 in classroom water safety lessons Children receive 3 in-water lessons 7

8 Partnership Support Stephanie Gaetz KEEPSAFE Foundation provided d initial iti developmental funding Provincial Ministry of Education provides grant funding to the Lifesaving Society Local school boards and municipalities donate funds or resources School Grant Program School boards partner with municipal recreation facility,ymca or private facility Apply for funding to cover transportation, instruction and facility costs Must donate or find partners to cover some costs On average 40% is donated 8

9 4 Year Grant Program Results 250, grade 3 students Ontario approved for participation In 2009/10 school year - 65% of grade 3 students Over 2000 schools Over 55 school boards Significant funding from provincial education and health promotion governments ($5.4 million) Grant Program Results Swim to Survive is the first swimming instruction for many new immigrants and low income children 95% teachers and 97% of parents would like the program to be a permanent part of the school curriculum Expansion into other provinces in Canada 9

10 Parent handout Swim to Survive Program Parent handout and 2 letters have been translated into 27 additional languages Similar program in Bangladesh High interest in the program internationally including USA, South Africa, India, Iran. China and Switzerland 10

11 Why is Swim to Survive Well Received? Addresses a need that had not been met. Addresses a belief that all children should learn to swim. Taps into an emotional feeling that these drownings are preventable. Why high interest? Swim to Survive Program Unique survival focus Affordable 3 lessons, 3 hours Simple 3 skills Fits multi-cultural focus Fits healthy schools policy 11

12 Swim to Survive Vision Every Canadian child achieves the Society s Swim to Survive Standard prior to completion of elementary school Measurement of Success Drownings amongst adults -18 years and older.10 years from now Attitudinal and behavioural research amongst the multi-cultural community Need continue to track: Numbers of children enrolled in swim to survive. Drownings amongst all ages and in particular, these children as they age 12

13 Key Messages Survival focus is key, as most drownings occur close to shore Swim to Survive is not a replacement for swimming lessons Teaching children to survive equips them with skills to save themselves as adults For more information: Barbara Byers Public Education Director Lifesaving Society CANADA barbarab@lifeguarding.com 13