North Bay wants to keep its youth safe in the water this summer
The city of North Bay is teaming up with the Canadian Lifesaving Society to conduct free swimming lessons for youth at a public beach this summer.
The city says it’s an effort to teach youth how to swim to survive during National Drowning Prevention Week, July 17-23.
The lifesaving society said swimming is considered the second most popular activity among children between the ages of five and twelve.
“Survival skills for when you roll into the water, and that’s something that everybody living near the lake should have the opportunity to go and get those skills and make sure they’re as safe as possible,” said the city’s Bryan Kimber.
The swim-to-survive skills are not meant to replace swimming lessons.
The course will be conducted on July 24 at Olmstead Beach, where instructors teach children between 6 and 14 how to roll into the water, tread water for a minute and swim 50 meters.
“What's important is to reach out to youth especially during their school years so they can learn these skills as a child,” said Barbara Byers of the Canadian Lifesaving Society.
Lifejacket use and general boating safety will also be included in the program, and pre-registration is not required.
"We can reach them when they’re young in addition to them having the skills to keep them safe when they’re a child. They’ll have these skills to keep them safe and enjoy the water for the rest of their life," said Byers.
The society said, drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under the age of 10.
“For many children, they haven't had swimming lessons in over two years and that's a concern, because we know how important it is and we want both children and parents to be aware of how important it is," Byers said.
The society estimates nearly 160 people drown in Ontario lakes and swimming pools each year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.