The rescue society, which is concerned about the over -representation of new arrivals among drowning victims in Quebec, is working on new means to prevent immigrants from aquatic dangers.
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“Unfortunately, we can clearly see that there are many immigrants among the victims and it is the same problem for the greatness of Canada,” said Raynald Hawkins, managing director of the rescue company.
Two of the three victims of the drownings that occurred near Verdun beach this summer were new arrivals.
Jean-Rodrick Mbassanenze Ngwamiya, 27, drowned on June 23 near Verdun beach.
Photo provided by Pierretta Mbassanenze
Several factors could explain this observation, according to Hawkins. Immigrants are four times more likely not to know how to swim than people born in Canada, according to the most recent data from the Canadian Center for the Prevention of Drink.
Do not know
In some cultures, learning to swim is less put forward. Others fear water.
“It can be associated with the fact that there is less access to water or infrastructure, for example public swimming pools, in some countries. When you give the swimming program to survive in schools, there are children [immigrants] Who put the foot for the first time in a swimming pool, ”says Raynald Hawkins.
It also points to the way of communicating the dangers linked to nautical activities. For example, around Verdun beach, the city has installed bathing panels prohibited on the edge of the banks. The message, which can only be read in French, is accompanied by a prohibited swimming pictogram.
A sign installed by the city on the banks, near Verdun beach.
Photo Olivier Faucher
“But pictograms are not always understood, depending on the different cultures. It is not a universal language. Add to that the language barrier. It is a reality in Quebec, ”insists Mr. Hawkins.
Translate messages
The rescue company works to adapt the prevention messages, in particular by drawing up from Ontario, where advice sheets to navigate in safety were translated into 33 languages before being distributed to community groups and organizations.
The director general of the rescue company, Raynald Hawkins.
Archives photo, Roxane Trudel
“We do not always have a favorable welcome” to this kind of initiative in Quebec, deplores Mr. Hawkins.
For example, his organization has brought to the door of the Ministry of Education to include nautical security messages in francization courses, but did not obtain a positive response.
