Summer pastimes like fishing, boating and swimming keep many of us near pools, lakes and beaches.

While we head to them looking for fun, each summer tragedy strikes with a number of drowning deaths.

Lorne Edwards with Lifesaving Society Manitoba says swimming lessons are the best first defense, but offers other tips to avert danger.

“Life jackets do the trick! Life jackets are so well designed now and you can get them in those bright colours so people are easy to spot. Especially for those children six years of age and younger, always keep them within arms reach of an adult.”  

National Drowning Prevention Week is coming up July 20th to 26th.

It is held in the third week of July annually, as this is the time period when Canada experiences the most drowning deaths, according to past statistics.

For more on water safety, tune in to Thompson Today for the full interview with Edwards at 12:40 and 5:10.