The City of Orillia wants swimmers to be smart when they dive into the lake this summer.
Dozens of people gathered Saturday at Couchiching Beach Park to learn about water safety.
“This is our annual Water Smart Day,” said Sydney Whyte, Waterfront Director for the City of Orillia. “Our focus is drowning prevention and water safety education.”
The team of lifeguards used various activities to teach kids and their parents about knowing your strengths and going for a swim.
“Swim within your limits, and swim with a buddy,” she said. “Little kids may tip over when they’re swimming, or they don’t know how to call for help.”
An easy way is just to yell the word, added Whyte.
Otherwise, she said, swimming when the beaches are guarded is the best option.
“Another main focus is the ‘within arm's reach’ message,” Whyte noted. “This goes out to the parents and guardians coming down to the beach, especially with kids under seven. That age group has a higher probability of drowning.”
The reason, she said, is because kids that age are just beginning to learn how to swim and may not be confident enough to go out into the water by themselves.
“We encourage wearing a life jacket,” said Whyte, adding the lifeguards used hands-on training to demonstrate how to make sure a life jacket fits properly.
The guards also showed onlookers how they would rescue a drowning non-swimmer.
For more information on when Orillia beaches are guarded, visit orillia.ca.
