INUVIK - Since he was kid, any time Jason Nasogaluak got the chance to climb into a boat to go fishing or hunting, he would gladly take it.

The problem is he can't swim and he admits if he ever fell into the water, he'd be in a world of trouble.

The Swim to Survive program for adults will be held at the pool on Aug. 3 and 4 to teach participants the basics of how to use a personal flotation device and life-jacket. Participant Jason Nasogaluak, centre, joins instructors Deanna MacDonald and David MacDonald in a raft at the pool on Friday, which will be uses to simulate a boat capsizing. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

Motivated by too many drownings in the area in the last few years, he signed up for the free Swim to Survive program that will be held for adults 18 and over at the rec centre pool on Aug. 3 and 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.

"In case anything did happen you want to be prepared," he said. "When I saw the opportunity come up, I took it."

The nationally-recognized Lifesaving Society water survival training program, which will be run by three qualified lifeguards, is targeted especially to people who can't swim but spend a lot of time around water. Though participants will learn the basics of treading water, the emphasis will be on proper use of life-jackets and personal flotation devices.

Deanna MacDonald, pool supervisor and program instructor, said the need is definitely there.

"There are a lot of people here that spend a lot of time out on the water and don't know how to swim," she said. "I've talked to two people that go out on their boats all the time and they say if they fell in they wouldn't know what to do."

She said just because you're wearing a life-jacket it doesn't mean you're going to be OK. Aside from being shown how to properly wear both devices, participants will be taught the importance of staying calm, and staying above water by finding the proper horizontal position and maintaining proper kick and stroke techniques.

RCMP officers will visit to give a talk on boating safety and the legalities of the activity. They will also invite participants to climb aboard a raft to simulate a boat capsizing, demonstrating the proper way to fall out and get back aboard a vessel.

"You panic and you drown," said David MacDonald, another course instructor. "It will happen just like that. It only takes 30 seconds. You inhale the water and pass out and then you're gone."

Organizers hope to have 15 to 20 adults sign up for the town-funded program. So far only three have registered.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a free life-jacket.