YELLOWKNIFE (April 16, 2014) – A report completed by the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories (NWT) has been released today and outlines possible supervision options for the beaches at Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Parks.
The purpose of the Supervised Facility Feasibility Study was to research and provide information relevant to the challenges, benefits and resources required to implement and sustain a staffed service at Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Parks. The study also includes research on common practices in other Canadian jurisdictions.
“I made a commitment to have supervision on the Fred Henne beach this summer, and I want to thank the Lifesaving Society, the community and particularly Lifeguards for Lodune for their efforts in raising awareness about the importance of water safety,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay. “Through this process we need to be cognizant of national standards for waterfront supervision. We are going to work with our partners to raise community awareness about what changes will arise as a result of having a supervised waterfront in order to have a safer beach for everyone.”
The Department of ITI has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide one of the supervision options in the Supervised Facility Feasibility Study for Fred Henne beach.
“Unquestionably, we are supportive of any steps taken to make our territorial beaches safer for our children and residents of the NWT. Clearly this is a first step, and as a committee, we will continue to monitor the implementation and success of any measures rolled out over the summer as we work to ensure that our beaches are safe and fun for everyone,” said Mr. Robert Hawkins, Chair of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure.
“It is important that the entire community is engaged so they can be more vigilant on our waterways. I am thankful for the dedication of community volunteers throughout this process, and to the department for a thorough follow up to this challenge of making our public beaches safer for all residents," said Daryl Dolynny, MLA for Range Lake.
In addition to issuing the RFP for supervision services, ITI is putting safety recommendations in place at both Fred Henne and Hay River territorial park beaches as recommended by the Lifesaving Society. These safety recommendations include improved signage, availability of emergency equipment and a public awareness campaign about water safety.
"It is important for everyone to be aware that whether or not the facility is supervised all children and non-swimmers should be within arm's reach and actively supervised. This means close and continuous supervision at all times while in, on and around the water,” said Barbara Costache, Chief Administrative Officer of the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the NWT. “Know your limitations – non- and weak swimmers should wear a lifejacket and it is important to learn how to swim to survive. Remember we are all in this together."
The Lifesaving Society – Canada’s lifeguarding expert – is a charitable organization working to prevent drowning and water-related injury through its training programs, Water Smart® public education, water incident research, safety management services and lifesaving sport. Annually, more than 1,000,000 Canadians participate in the Society’s swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard and leadership training courses.
Further details on the supervision options are provided in the attached backgrounder.
For more information:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-920-8696
Email: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca
