This summer, the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion is partnering with the Société de sauvetage du Québec as an ambassador for National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW).

Operating under the theme “Drowning is Preventable”, the City will host several awareness activities from July 16th to 22nd at the Sainte-Madeleine and Saint-Jean-Baptiste outdoor pools located at 14 rue Sainte-Madeleine and 150 avenue de la Fabrique, respectively.

"The numbers from the Société de sauvetage are quite alarming. As of July 5th, 2023, there had already been 38 drownings in Quebec, compared to 30 on the same date in 2022. I would not want such a tragedy to happen in Vaudreuil-Dorion. This is why it’s so important to use prevention as a method to help make the public aware of the need to adopt safe behaviours whenever on, in or near the water,” explains Guy Pilon, Mayor of Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Some of the activities planned for this summer include setting up information booths on the safety of residential pools at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste pool (July 17th) and the wearing of personal flotation devices at Sainte-Madeleine Pool (July 18th). The Société de sauvetage’s Brigade Splash will also be paying a visit to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste pool on July 18th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The brigade’s mission includes providing training and recreational activities focused on safety in aquatic environments and ensuring the conformity of the facilities visited. On July 19th, special activities will be held at both municipal pools for kids registered with Vaudreuil-Dorion’s Animation Jeunesse day camps. Among other things, participants will be introduced to the three essential “Swim to Survive” self rescue skills, and the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a lifeguard for a day.

Bathers at the Sainte-Madeleine pool will be able to watch on July 20th as a surprise emergency rescue unfolds involving a simulated head and spinal injury. Club Ado members will have the chance to participate in an event led by the Tournée dans l’eau at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste pool, on July 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Assisted by coaches from Quebec sports federations, participants will learn the basics of sports such as diving, water polo, swimming, synchronized swimming, lifesaving and triathlon. Finally, on July 22nd, lifeguards will conduct a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Sainte-Madeleine pool, and a simulated rescue using the ladder approach at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste pool between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Participants in the various activities will be eligible for a draw in which two winners will receive a free swim lesson during the fall session.

The complete National Drowning Prevention Week program can be viewed in the web calendar on the City’s website at ville.vaudreuil-dorion.qc.ca.

The important role of Lifeguard

" To mark the NDPW, we would like to draw attention to the hard work of our water safety ambassadors, our lifeguards and swimming instructors. These individuals help make our citizens aware of the importance of safe swimming, in addition to keeping a close watch over our water bodies”, says Catherine Milard-Bouchard, Head of the Aquatic and Nautical Programs section.

Besides, for those wishing to equip themselves for an emergency situation, the Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion will be offering a First Aid - General course at the end of August. Residents wishing to register will be able to do so on the city's website from 9 a.m. on July 17. Non-residents will be able to take advantage of remaining places from 9 a.m. on July 19. Various lifesaving courses will also be offered to those interested in becoming a lifeguard this autumn. The program will be available online in August. Course registration will take place on September 5 at 6 p.m. for residents, and on September 7 at 9 a.m. for non-residents.