The Lifesaving Society is expanding its Swim to Survive+ training program based on research that explains the inner workings of the teen brain and how it leads adolescents to take part in thrill-seeking behavior, putting them at greater risk of drowning.
As children enter adolescence they gain increased freedom and independence, spending more time with friends and making decisions in unsupervised settings, explains Dr. Jean Clinton, an associate clinical professor of child psychiatry and behavioural neuroscience at McMaster University.
“The teenage brain is under construction,” adds Dr. Clinton. “The thrill-seeking, pleasure-seeking part of their brain is developing at a faster rate than the judgment and impulse inhibition skills that adults have. Teens have to take risks—it’s part of their development but we want them to take safer risks.”
Thanks to financial assistance from PPL Aquatic, Fitness and Spa Group and the company’s CEO, Dale Papke personally, as well as from TransCanada Corporation and the Stephanie Gaetz Keepsafe Foundation, the Lifesaving Society is now able to expand the program to reach more Grade 7 students during the 2013-14 school year.
Barbara Byers, the Lifesaving Society’s public education director, says this area of research is extremely important as the organization looks for ways to reduce drowning risks—especially amongst those who are most in jeopardy.
“The risk-taking 18-to 24-year-olds continue to have the highest water-related death rate of any age group in Canada,” adds Byers. “With the Swim to Survive+ program, the Lifesaving Society aims to equip pre-teens with practical lifesaving skills that will prepare them for their increased independence and freedom, and hopefully reduce the incidents of drowning long term.”
For more information, visit www.lifesavingsociety.com.
