The Prince Edward Island Department of Health and Wellness is pleased to once again support the Red Cross Water Safety Program, ensuring Island children have affordable access to life-saving skills, Health Minister Doug Currie says.
“Part of our job is to help protect the health and wellness of Islanders, and teaching kids how to have fun, stay healthy, and be safe in the water is an important part of that,” Currie said.
“By investing in this renowned Red Cross program - which has been modeled across the country - we’re helping ensure Island children have affordable access to summer camps that teach them these essential water skills. “These day camps have been a rich Island tradition for generations. I remember going myself as a boy.”
This year marks the 66th anniversary of the water safety day camps in Prince Edward Island. Prince Edward Island was the birthplace of water safety.
Since 1946, more than 37,000 Islanders have learned to swim and prevent water accidents through this Canadian Red Cross program. Thanks to the support of the government, the Canadian Red Cross has been able to maintain excellence in water safety programming, said Provincial Director Laura Johnson-Montigny.
Participants are taught swimming and boating safety skills and an appreciation of our beautiful natural environment - positive life skills to keep youth active and healthy.
Children from Tignish to Souris take a local school bus to the location nearest their community where they learn to swim, paddle and canoe or row a boat, environmental awareness, water and boating safety and leadership skills.
“Generations of Islanders have participated and continue to participate in the CRC program. Safety has always been the cornerstone of the Red Cross day camps. Through our partnership with the government, the Canadian Red Cross is able to ensure that the program is accessible to all Island children,” Johnson-Montigny said.
Statistics show that drowning rates over the past 66 years have been significantly reduced.
“So far this year, Prince Edward Island has been fatality free in terms of drowning and other water-related deaths up to August 24,” said Wayne Young, director of first aid, swimming and water safety for Atlantic Canada with the Canadian Red Cross.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that this is due in part to the fact that generations of Island children have learned swimming and boating safety skills through these Red Cross camps, thanks to ongoing support from the Island government.”
The program is able to improve quality of life by giving people the skills to make safe choices, increase physical fitness, prevent injuries, and act in emergency and rescue situations.
Approximately 40 volunteers each year across the Island assist the Red Cross with the Water Safety Day Camps. Many of the instructors were once participants.
“Prince Edward Island Red Cross day camps are a longstanding tradition on the Island. Learning how to swim and how to be safe in the water is an essential life skill for Island children and youth,” Currie said.
For more information go to www.redcross.ca/PEIdaycamps.
To watch a video of the day camp go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKVrmvs5wMY.
To see pictures of the camp go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/peigov/sets/72157631224259916/.