By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Since all seven local municipalities, which make up Essex County, have lakefront or waterfront, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy wondered if it would be possible to raise a flag to recognize the upcoming National Drowning Prevention Week, which takes place July 20-26.
She brought the matter forward during the June 18 County of Essex Council meeting, having got the idea during this year’s recent installment of the Greg Horoky Colchester Walleye Fishing Derby. At this event, members of the County of Essex Emergency Team were onsite, providing information about drowning prevention to those interested.
“I’m hoping we can start working on getting some more information out there,” Bondy said.
As Bondy informed County staff about bringing this up under new business during the meeting beforehand, County CAO Sandra Zwiers was able to connect with Dan Metcalfe, Emergency Measures Coordinator, about efforts with which the County of Essex is involved. That includes raising awareness and educating the public about the risk regarding the “beautiful lakefront we have surrounding all sides of Essex County.”
Metcalfe confirmed the County’s primary role is to promote drowning prevention and raise awareness of the issue across the region. The County of Essex works closely with a number of partners to do so, including local police, fire, EMS, Canadian Navy, Coast Guard and Auxiliary, Windsor Port Authority, and others.
That includes promoting water safety and preventing injuries in the water.
The County of Essex is also a member of the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium, and leads the Windsor-Essex County Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Coalition.
One of Essex-Windsor EMS’s paramedics, Teresa Coulter, hosted a drowning prevention workshop earlier in the year, primarily for paramedics. However, the invitation to attend was extended to individuals at the seven local municipalities who may have a need to learn about that training. Participation included members for Essex, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Windsor, and from St. Clair College Aquatics.
“It was really good to see that knowledge being spread among a number of our first responders, whether it is police, fire, or ambulance, but also to raise awareness around this critical issue,” Zwiers said.
Because of Essex County’s location to water, there are unfortunately a number of drownings each year in the region.
Zwiers noted the County does not have a flag to raise on the matter, but does intend to conduct a social media campaign to align with National Drowning Prevention Week.
Last year, the County did promote drowning prevention on its social media. This year, the intention is to double down on that messaging.
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