“Have a WORD with Yourself”

http://preventable.ca/about/

Recently, I was walking past A-maze-ing Laughter- the 14 colossal bronze statues- created by Chinese artist Yue Minjun. This time though, I noticed something considerably different. While their array of laughing characteristics still defined each one, adoring several of the statues were enormous bright orange life jackets. I was intrigued by the bold statement they made. 

Amidst the crowds were those from the west street crew, who were speaking with people about the iconic sculptures. I was able to talk with a gentleman by the name of Adam, who explained the addition of something commonly known to protect us on the open waters-Life Vests.

Adam shared about the campaign aimed at preventing tragedies; whose objective is to have a word with ourselves, in averting dangerous situations. Founding and contributing partners have lent their financial support, efforts and time to Preventable, which is:  A community of diverse organizations undertaking a province-wide effort to raise awareness, transform attitudes, and ultimately change behaviour. 

Their purpose is to considerably decrease the tragic preventable injuries in BC. I spoke to Adam openly about my own loss, in Shayla’s passing away, in a car crash. I spoke to him about The Heart Pebble Movement and my desire to keep the legacy of my daughter, alive. I also shared with him, how the preventable campaign was affecting me directly. I have seen how a dear friend of mine, Katherine-who lost her husband- Glen in a drowning incident, had her world shattered. Sadly, he was not wearing a life jacket, and passed away a mere distance from shore. It was a beautiful time in May and Katherine had been on the beach, watching as Glen and two friends, puttered around in a small boat. A life preserver was in the boat, but none were being worn. One man decided to stand up, causing it to tip over. His friend had gotten to the floating island, turned and looked at Glen in the lake said "hurry up old man",making Glen laugh and instead of air, he got water and went under…shortly after he died. An unimaginable loss, leaving Katherine a widow, she is affected terribly every day of her life, by something preventable.

As of July 22 of this year, officials say, 46 people have died in B.C. waters. The mindset that “It can’t happen to me,” falls deaf now on those who have lost loved ones. Today, sitting along the beach of the Fraser River, I saw foolishness unfold before my eyes. In the water was a blown up watercraft with a small motor boat attached. Operating the vessel were two young boys, around the age of ten. While they were wearing life jackets, a friend - of theirs- no more than eight or nine, decided to hop on the side of the inflatable boat. Then the two other boys cranked the power and set off in a zig zag motion as this boy clung to the side! I looked around for any parental authority and none, not one single mother or father was there to take responsibility for their children’s poorly guided actions! The second incident involved two older men, fishing and having a great time on the river. The trouble was, neither was wearing life jackets. At one point, one of the men stood up and the small boat they were in began to rock back and forth! I took a picture from the distance, as not to identify them, yet I was appalled to see insolence for the open waters. As someone who has lost their child, it breaks my heart to see such disregard for life!  

I applaud the efforts and dedication of Preventable, which is a registered, non-profit organization wanting to save lives. In a world where drowning is no laughing matter, this campaign aimed at an ounce of prevention, utilizes the bronze statues to make a point…anticipating the worst just may save your own life one day!  

By T.L. Alton

http://preventable.ca/2013/08/09/laughing-lifejackets/