(CHAT News Today)

By Brian Konrad

Water safety expert stresses importance of personal flotation device in preventing drowning

Aug 7, 2021 | 8:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The recent drowning of a Redcliff man in the South Saskatchewan River was one of several similar tragedies reported by RCMP across Alberta this summer.

Mounties say it’s difficult to point to a reason for the increase in drownings, but a Red Cross water safety expert says in most cases, victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).

Dominique MacDonald is a water safety ambassador with the Canadian Red Cross.

She says it’s important for everyone to understand the dangers posed in open water by currents and debris, noting the water can appear pristine and inviting on the surface, but the danger is beneath.

MacDonald says it’s disheartening for everyone when people lose their life and they were not equipped with a PFD.

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“Certainly, hearing about a drowning where someone wasn’t tethered to their stand-up paddleboard or didn’t have a life jacket or the weather came up unannounced, those are all things that really make us so sad,” says Macdonald.

She adds, “it’s sad for the person, and it’s sad for the family and it’s also sad for all of the community members that are surrounded by that traumatic incident.”

MacDonald notes technology has changed and PFDs aren’t the ugly, bulky equipment that no one wants to wear.

She says modern PFDs are tailored to many different activities and will keep you on the surface long enough for help to arrive.

MacDonald also says everyone, including adults, should take a water safety course approved by Red Cross.

A list of approved courses can be found at redcross.ca.