YELLOWKNIFE (May 21, 2014) – The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) has launched a new campaign to keep water safety top of mind at beaches in territorial parks for Northwest Territories’ residents and visitors.
“We have beautiful beaches in the NWT and I know everyone is looking forward to enjoying them,” said Minister of ITI David Ramsay. “This campaign is a reminder that people can have fun while being safety-conscious. We are encouraging people to have an open discussion with their children about water safety at home and at school.”
The campaign highlights four key safety messages:
- Always be within arm’s reach of anyone under the age of 7;
- Always swim with a buddy;
- Wear a lifejacket; and
- Watch the kids.
The promotion will run throughout the summer in northern newspapers, on CJCD radio, on social media and on beach signage at Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Parks. The advertisements will also be featured on screen at the Yellowknife Capitol Theatre from mid-June to mid-August.
In conjunction with the campaign, public awareness materials will be supplied to schools and daycares in Yellowknife and Hay River in the last two weeks of classes.The materials, supplied by the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, will also be available at Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial park beaches.
In April, the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories released a Supervised Facility Feasibility Study. The report outlined several safety recommendations for Fred Henne and Hay River Territorial Park beaches. The water safety awareness campaign is one component of the overall plan. The promotion is intended to educate and inform the public about aquatic safety and increase overall beachfront safety in the NWT.
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