News and media

BC Place lights up blue for National Drowning Prevention Week

July 15th, 2018

BC Place will light up blue on Sunday July 15th in support of National Drowning Prevention Week.

Nearly 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is too many. The aim of National Drowning Prevention Week is to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.

67% of drownings occurred from May to September last year. Do your part to keep yourself and others safe with these tips:

  • Watch me, not your cell phone. Always directly supervise children around the water - if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
  • Be Boat Smart and Boat Sober. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities.
  • In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water? Learn to Swim to Survive®.
  • Be Water Smart® Make smart choices before going into or out on the water.
  • Older but not always wiser - Choose It. Use It. Always wear a Lifejacket or PFD when in a boat.
  • You can save a life, yours and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.

To learn more, visit www.lifesaving.bc.ca

Media Contact
Duncan Blomfield
Marketing & Communications Manager, BC Place
Tel: (604) 661-7360 Email: DBlomfield@bcpavco.com