July 19 – 25, 2026
WHEREAS: The mission of Lifesaving Society Canada is to prevent drowning throughout this great country, and even one drowning in British Columbia is one too many; and
WHEREAS: Most drownings are preventable in a Water Smart community, and only through Water Smart education and a healthy respect for the potential danger that any body of water may present can we genuinely enjoy the beauty and recreation opportunities offered by these bodies of water; and
WHEREAS: The Lifesaving Society urges Canadians and residents of Oak Bay to supervise children who are in and around the water, to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities, and to always wear a lifejacket when boating; and
WHEREAS: The United Nations General Assembly passed the UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention (A/75/L.76) and named July 25th of each year as World Drowning Prevention Day; and
WHEREAS: Lifesaving Society Canada has declared July 19 – 25, 2026 National Drowning Prevention Week to focus on the drowning problem and the hundreds of lives that could be saved this year.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, I, Kevin Murdoch, Mayor of The District of Oak Bay do hereby proclaim July 19 – 25, 2026 National Drowning Prevention Week in The District of Oak Bay and do commend its thoughtful recognition to all citizens of our municipality.
Kevin Murdoch, Mayor
The District of Oak Bay