Water Safety

Recreational use of waters has increased in recent decades both here in Canada and around the world. Swimming pools and other recreational water facilities offer great opportunities for enjoyment and health promotion, but they may also involve health risks so be sure to always exercise extreme caution around water.

The Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross, and St. John Ambulance are all leaders in promoting safe recreational use of waters.

Considered to be one of the top Lifesaving Experts in Ontario, the Lifesaving Society has implemented a WATER SMART® CAMPAIGN that prioritizes public education of key messages based on drowning analysis. Tag lines like “Always swim with a buddy”, “If you aren’t within arm’s reach you have gone too far” and “Watch me, not your phone” are all current messages begin shared through their WATER SMART® CAMPAIGN and Learn to Swim Program.

The Lifesaving Society also has set a Swim to Survive standard in which participants practice and demonstrate the necessary skills to survive an unanticipated fall into water: Roll into deep water; Tread for 1 min; Swim 50 metres. Information for parents and teachers can be found at the Lifesaving Society website and you can even apply for a grant to assist in covering the cost of having students participating in the Swim to Survive Program.

Learn more about these programs using the links below.

Resources

Water Safety | Life Saving Society

Drowning is fast and silent, but every drowning death is preventable with water safety knowledge and common sense. Important water safety tips for everyone:

National Drowning Prevention Week | Life Saving Society

The Lifesaving Society designates the third week in July as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.