Missing-Child Situations at City Beaches Skyrocket, Stay Within Arms' Reach of Children Near Water

For immediate release (July 27, 2012) – It hasn’t been just fun at the City’s beaches this year. Missing-child situations have skyrocketed. So far this summer, Orillia’s lifeguards have responded to more than 30 such cases. At this time last year, there were just eight incidents of missing children.

In one case recently, a four-year-old wandered away at J.B. Memorial Tudhope Park. Police were called in to help search. Fortunately, after nearly 20 minutes, the child was found safe. More commonly, lifeguards have found that children have wandered away while a parent or caregiver was doing something as simple as sending a text.

“It only takes a few seconds for something to go wrong and for your child to drown. Drowning can happen in as little time as it takes to send a text message,” said Christine Mitchell, City of Orillia Aquatics Coordinator. “People aren’t getting the message. Parents and caregivers need to stay within arms’ reach of their children when they’re near the water.”

Drowning is the number one cause of preventable death in children between the ages of one to four. It is the second leading cause of preventable death in children under 12. So far this year, the Lifesaving Society has reported 54 drownings.

The City feels today’s message is especially relevant considering it’s National Drowning Prevention Week (July 21-29). The City of Orillia Parks & Recreation lifeguards are promoting the following drowning prevention tips when you or your family is near water:

If you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far:

Parents and caregivers should be near (within arms' reach) their children whenever they’re near water - in the backyard, at the beach, even in the bathroom. Children near pools and waterfronts should never be left alone. Even children at the water’s edge must have a responsible guardian with them. Assign an adult to supervise children whenever they are near or in the water.

Wear a lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

As an extra means of protection, put toddlers in a lifejacket when they are near water. Lifejackets will keep a toddler at the surface, which may give parents the seconds they need to save a life. Always ensure that lifejackets fit properly and are in good working condition. All buckles and zippers should be functioning and intact. All non-swimmers should wear a lifejacket when in, or around, the water and everyone should wear lifejackets while boating, regardless of age or swimming ability. The Parks & Recreation Department has a lifejacket loaner program for patrons to borrow PFDs while at our beaches.

Media contact information:
Christine Mitchell
Aquatics Coordinator
City of Orillia
705-325-1106
cmitchell@orillia.ca

Joe Kim
Communications Manager
City of Orillia
705-325-8929
jkim@orillia.ca