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National Drowning Prevention Week begins ahead of somber anniversary of Wasaga Beach drowning

OPP are reminding the public of the importance of water safety one day ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the drowning of Zach Haskett in Wasaga Beach on July 18, 2012 (Courtesy: Ontario Provincial Police) OPP are reminding the public of the importance of water safety one day ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the drowning of Zach Haskett in Wasaga Beach on July 18, 2012 (Courtesy: Ontario Provincial Police)
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Sunday marks the start of National Drowning Prevention Week and it comes one day ahead of the 10-year anniversary of a drowning of a 9-year-old boy in Wasaga Beach.

Provincial police are reminding the public of the story of Zach Haskett. The 9-year-old lost his life on July 18, 2012 in the waters of Wasaga Beach.

"It was a day that I'll never forget. It's also the day and the reason why I became a water safety advocate, so that no other parent feels the loss of losing a child to drowning," Melissa Haskett, Zach's mother said in a social media message shared by OPP. "Swimming lessons are so very important for every child to learn. It is a life skill that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives."

Police say so far this year they've already rescued dozens of people from the waters of Georgian Bay. According to police, the mouth of the Nottawasaga River is an especially dangerous location due to undertows and busy boat traffic.

The Lifesaving Society and OPP have provided several tips for everyone going into the water:

  • Monitor children at all times
  • Wear lifejackets at all times
  • Know how to swim properly
  • Stay sober at all times
  • Obey all beach signage
  • Do not swim in unauthorized areas

Melissa, who says young Zach was a kind soul taken far too soon, said in the video released by police that time is always of the essence with drownings.

"[He was] such a kind, caring little boy that I miss every second of everyday. Please be water safe. Never take your eyes off your children even for a second as drowning is silent and it just takes seconds," Melissa says. "If you are going out on any floatation device always wear your lifejacket. It must be on in order to save your life, not down by your feet."

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