On May 23 the province’s Child Death Review Committee forwarded a report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Andrew Parsons, that makes a key recommendation that, if implemented, could help prevent future accidental drownings of children in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The minister is required by legislation to make public recommendations in the report after 60 days.
The report examined the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of a youth as the result of accidental drowning in the province, but the public notice from government didn’t specify where or when the incident occurred.
The recommendation in the report is that the “Department of Education and Early Childhood Development incorporate materials from the Lifesaving Society of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Drowning Research beginning at least by Grade 7 and to teach boating and water safety. Also, that this information be relayed to parents at least once a year, including in the spring.”
This report has also been forwarded to the Child and Youth Advocate.
