Are new Canadians at higher risk for drowning?

The Lifesaving Society releases results of new study on water safety and ethnicity

TORONTO, July 12 /CNW/ - A study commissioned by the Lifesaving Society has found that despite plans by 79 percent of new Canadians to be in and around water this summer, they are at a higher risk for drowning when boating and swimming.

On Thursday, July 15, the Lifesaving Society will release initial findings from a study commissioned to explore the influence of ethnicity on attitudes and behaviours surrounding water safety. The findings are being released to coincide with the start of National Drowning Prevention Week, July 17-24.

Several issues around water safety were investigated, including:

    
    -   Likelihood of participation in swimming and other water activities
    -   Correlation between the length of time a person is settled in Canada
        and their knowledge, attitudes and experiences around water safety
    -   Effectiveness of certain water safety education programming and
        programs including in-language materials as a way of reaching out to
        groups of new Canadians.
    

The Lifesaving Society will also release the latest Drowning Report statistics and provide its perspective on the best methods to prevent drowning deaths.

    
    What: One-on-one interviews available with Barbara Byers, Public
    Education Director for the Lifesaving Society; photo opportunity with
    children in the pool, lifeguards, parents.

    When: Thursday, July 15, 2010
    Results from the study to be released via Canada NewsWire at 7 a.m.
    Interviews available between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

    Where: Poolside at Monarch Park CI, 1 Hanson Street, Toronto (corner of
    Coxwell Ave. & Hanson St.)
    

For further information: To arrange interviews or confirm your attendance, or for further information, please contact: Nichola Rochon or Karen Krugel, PraxisPR, 905-949-8255 ext. 231 or 233 416-460-3159 or 416-559-9200 (cell phones), [email protected] or [email protected]