Stay Afloat with the Facts
Media Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drowning Report 2009
September 4, 2009
Barbara Kusyanto, Chief Administrative Officer
PH: 780-415-1755 | EMAIL: experts@lifesaving.org
Alberta & Northwest Territories Lifesaving Society
STAY AFLOAT WITH THE FACTS
~ making our communities a safer place to live, work and play ~
Edmonton, AB – The Lifesaving Society has released the 2009 Drowning & Injury Prevention Report
for Alberta (AB) & the Northwest Territories (NWT).
The most current data available and collected by the Lifesaving Society reveals that in 2007, alcohol or
drugs were a factor in 34% of AB and 25% of the NWT drowning fatalities. Alcohol involvement is twice
as high among adult male victims then women, and every year, lives are needlessly lost due to
drinking-and-boating incidents. 80% of the Albertans and Northerners who drowned while boating were
NOT wearing their lifejacket.
“Although summer is the busiest boating season, the opportunity for Albertans & Northerners to
recreate in, on and around the water still exists in the fall time,” says Barbara Kusyanto, Chief
Administrative Officer of the Lifesaving Society. Be safe and think ahead. Be prepared for the
unexpected and take the appropriate equipment before going boating.
The Alberta and Northwest Territories Lifesaving Society is the standard setting, certifying body for
public aquatic safety. The Society has a public health and safety mandate for drowning, injury
prevention and active living and fitness.
The 2009 Drowning & Injury Prevention Report provides valuable insight for individuals, organizations
and governments, providing compelling reasons to make specific choices and take decisive actions to
make our communities a safer place to live, work and play.
The Lifesaving Society knows that if Albertans and Northerners would make Water Smart® choices
and learn basic swim survival skills, we could reduce the incidence of drowning and water related
injuries by more than half.
The fact is, while drowning is often silent and sudden, it is preventable!
For additional information or to arrange for an interview, please contact:
Barbara Kusyanto, Chief Administrative Officer
Lifesaving Society Alberta & Northwest Territories
11759 Groat Road
Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6
Office: 780-415-1755 | Cell: 780-289-1792
The Alberta & Northwest Territories Lifesaving Society provides PMTs for print media and PSAs for radio
broadcasts. To receive this information, contact the Lifesaving Society at 780-415-1755 or email
experts@lifesaving.org. For further information on drowning prevention, visit us online: www.lifesaving.org
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