The City of Swift Current is doing its part this week to raise awareness about a growing issue around water.

To coincide with National Drowning Prevention Week, the City has followed suit proclaiming the week to run from July 17 to 23.

Meghan Chisholm, Interim Aquatics Manager for the City, said the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered many children from learning about key survival skills on and around the water.

"We have noticed quite a significant setback on where these children should be," she said. "Usually they're growing and learning but with the closure of the Aquatics Centre for that period of time and programs not running, we have noticed a setback."

Chisholm had a plethora of statistics with her to share with city council during their June 27 meeting illustrating how deadly water is. According to a world drowning report, about 372,000 people lose their lives to drowning each year with males twice as likely to fall victim.  

To help combat the issue, Swift Current's Fairview Pool will be hosting a flurry of activities this week to help educate the public.

"Themed activity days at the pool with games such as; PFD and me, swim with a buddy, don't break the ice, watch me swim, boat smart, and swim to survive," she said. 

Chisholm encourages residents of Swift Current to drop by the pool on Saturday at 1 p.m. to try their swim to survive standard.

"Which is the roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and then swim 50 metres," she explained.