YELLOWKNIFE (May 22, 2014) – Opinions on beach front supervision were divided, according to results from a survey asking local residents their thoughts about beach safety at Fred Henne Territorial Park.

“Public engagement plays a key role in successfully promoting water safety,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay.  “Information from a variety of sources such as NWT residents and the experts at the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories will help to ensure our territorial parks beaches are as safe as possible for everyone.”

Other highlights of the Fred Henne Territorial Park beach safety survey include:

• 93% of respondents believe in the importance of parents or guardians discussing beach safety rules with their children.
• 66% of respondents believe that children under the age of  10 should be within arms’ reach of a parent or responsible guardian while in the water.
• Attitudes towards various beach supervisory options were divided. 86% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the presence of trained supervision does not reduce the responsibility of the individual or parent or guardian.

Information from these surveys, community meeting, and recommendations by the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories has been used to make important beach safety improvements at Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Parks.

Survey participants were offered entry into a raffle to win beach safety equipment.  The winners of the raffle are: Danielle Mager, Yellowknife; Dan Daniels, Yellowknife; and Holly Spares, Hay River.

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