The city is challenging residents to test their water-safety mettle next week.
To mark the Lifesaving Society's National Drowning Prevention Week July 19-25, safety-related events will be held at the Aquatic Centre and Four Seasons Pool.
Residents can take the Swim to Survive Challenge at either location between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and receive training on three skills: rolling into deep water, treading water for one minute and swimming 50 metres. Training is expected to take about 30 minutes, depending on the swimming skills and knowledge of participants. Lifeguards will also be teaching life jacket and personal flotation device safety.
"Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60 years of age," said a city press release. "Natural bodies of water continue to account for the largest percentage of drownings in British Columbia with the highest number of deaths by drowning occurring throughout the months of July and August."
