NEW River Rack Card

 

Working with my coworkers on the Communications team at the Lifesaving Society we created this new River Safety Rack Card. The intent was to educate the public about the dangers of rivers, while also providing information for them if they choose to be on, in, or near rivers.

Together we came up with the concept for the illustration and I executed it. We wanted to show how the dangers of a river are hidden or hard to see. While our my coworker who is the expert on public education messaging provided us with information to include, we worked together to decide what was the most important information to share.

Here are the facts about rivers:

• Nationwide, rivers are the second most common location where drownings occur.
• Riverbanks can be slippery and covered in debris, making it easy to fall into the water and difficult to climb back out.
• Even if the water appears calm, powerful undercurrents and undertows are just beneath the surface.
• Canadian rivers are cold year-round. Cold water can cause your body to go into shock, impairing your ability to move, breathe, and think clearly.

Tips to stay safe around rivers:

• Avoid swimming in or near moving water. Protect yourself by wearing a lifejacket while in these environments.
• Always supervise children closely around rivers, keeping them within arm's reach at all times.
• River ice is never safe. Do not walk on frozen rivers.

Check out the rack card here and find other water safety resources here!