The City of Richmond is recognizing National Drowning Prevention Week from July 19 to 24 by offering free swimming lessons.
According to the Lifesaving Society of Canada, over 400 people drown annually in Canada, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children.
During the week of July 19 to 23, the city is hosting free Swim to Survive courses between 1 and 2 p.m. at South Arm Pool.
As part of Drowning Prevention Week, these courses are aimed to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this basic water safety awareness opportunity.
Although plenty of lifesaving buoys and signage have been placed in key locations in Richmond to warn people not to enter the Fraser River, the city is emphasizing that the river is a strong, fast-moving and dangerous body of water.
For more information about the Swim to Survive courses and four swimming lessons at four Richmond pools, visit www.richmond.ca/register.
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