Lewis Park and a launch site for tubers at the end of Powerhouse Road are the latest popular recreation sites for a water safety sign popping up.
A series of signs include reminders that “Lifejackets Save Lives” and to “Watch Your Children Around the Water At All Times.” The new sites were chosen after consulting with the local Search and Rescue.
Last summer, signs were posted at Comox Lake in Cumberland, at the Comox Marina, and at several sites in the Campbell River area.
This summer, the City of Courtenay and the CVRD are also supporting the initiative and ensuring people are reminded of two important water safety principles: Lifejacket Use and Parental Supervision.
An average of 400 Canadians drown each year. According to a Red Cross research report, children aged one to four, and men aged 15 to 44, are at the greatest risk of drowning.
Both parental supervision and wearing a lifejacket are extremely important, and the intent of these signs is to serve as reminders.
The signs were supplied by funds raised during Island Aquathon. In 2005, Victoria resident Rob Dyke became the first person to swim 1,400 kilometres around Vancouver Island to raise awareness and support Canadian Red Cross water safety programs.
— Canadian Red Cross