Drowning is a recurring cause of death across British Columbia. Last year 24 people died from drowning on Vancouver Island.
To raise awareness, the Strathcona Regional District is hosting a family friendly drowning prevention event for National drowning prevention week.
With support from Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, the district aims to educate people and participants on water-smart skills, in and around bodies of water.
Strathcona Gardens lifeguards will be on duty, running a variety of activities for children and safety information booths.
Some of the activities include an inflatable water obstacle course, a slip and slide, giant beach balls, scavenger hunts, and face painting.
The safety information booths aim to educate people on wearing life jackets, water supervision, and local swimming programs.
For those needing a ride to the event, Strathcona Gardens will be providing free transportation to and from McIvor Lake from the Sportsplex and Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex.
There will be two departures during the day, visit strathconagardens.com/swimbus to reserve a spot.
Admission to the Drowning Prevention week event is Free, and activities run from 11 am to 5 pm at Hill Beach, McIvor Lake on July 21.
Story by Sage Daniels, Vista Radio Staff.
