June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) is not only a great way to highlight the amazing things that are happening with recreation that enhance the quality of life of community residents, but it’s also a great time to start taking advantage of all the water-based recreation opportunities and benefits they bring!
June 5–12 is Water Safety Week, an annual campaign to educate Canadians on how to stay safe around water and prevent drowning incidents.
The Mackenzie Recreation Association (MRA) believes in the benefits of water-based recreation, and our goal is to promote water safety within the MRA region because basic water safety skills are essential!
Water-based activity is a way of life in the NWT, and community members often swim and recreate in multiple different bodies of water. Proximity and ease of access can cause an increase in accidents. Through Water Smart® programming, we can help make the NWT a safer place to live, work, and play.
Here are some water safety messages to keep in mind this June when you’re participating in water-based activities in celebration of JRPM:
Participate in a Swim to Survive event;
Connect with Elders and knowledge holders before heading out on the water;
Wear a lifejacket whenever you are in a boat;
Always swim with a buddy;
Stay within arms reach;
Get trained; and
Do not combine alcohol or drugs with aquatic activity (boating, swimming, etc.).
#JRPMNWT is all about helping people get outside and safely explore recreation with family, friends, community, and more! So be confident and competent that you are #WaterSmart when you’re participating in water-based activities.
For resources and support on water safety messaging in your community, contact Jessica at jessica@mranwt.ca or (867) 444-5377.
This Newspost was originally published on June 4, 2020. Updated June 2021.