This Week is National Drowning Prevention Week in Canada: Here Are 4 Ways You Can Stay Safe This Summer

Water is essential to our communities. After all, Canada has the world’s largest coastline with over 243 thousand kilometers. Not to mention, the approximately 16,000 kilometers of shoreline in Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka, and the District of Parry Sound. Enjoying beaches, swimming pools, and water sports are treasured pastimes for so many Canadians hoping to stay cool during our scorching and humid summers.   

According to the Lifesaving Society, over 400 people tragically drown each year, with even more suffering injuries from non-fatal drowning incidents. Everyone is at risk of drowning. This means it’s important to be mindful of ourselves and those around us, especially children, as we enjoy spending time near or in the water this summer.   

National Drowning Prevention Week  

July 20-26 is National Drowning Prevention Week in Canada. Falling on the third week of July each year, the Lifesaving Society and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka takes this time to recognize the importance of water safety for all Canadians. We aim to raise awareness for National Drowning Prevention Week and our aquatics programs to help you gain more confidence and the necessary skills to navigate the water safely.   

This year’s theme for National Drowning Prevention Week is Safer Together.  

Together, we can safely enjoy our time spent near the water by following a few of these essential tips:   

Never Swim or Boat Alone 

Safer Together means creating a safe environment to enjoy water responsibly. If an unsafe situation arises, every second is vital. Despite how drowning is depicted in movies or television, in reality, it can happen silently and quickly; often, there is no splashing or yelling when it occurs. It’s always safer to have another person around while you enjoy water to lend a hand if needed.   

Supervise Children at All Times  

Along the same lines, children need extra supervision when playing in or near water, even if they appear to be confident swimmers. Children can drown in as little as 2.5 centimeters of water, which means even backyard swimming pools, kiddie pools, and bathtubs pose a risk. In a world full of distractions, it’s crucial to put away your phone or other handheld technology when supervising children near water. The typical rule of thumb for supervising children under the age of 5 is that if you are no longer within arm’s reach, you have gone too far.    

Be Prepared 

Spending some time preparing before you spend time in or around water is another key safety tip. Look for places that are safe for both you and your children to swim, where you are familiar with the depth of the water, and any resources nearby. If possible, look for locations with a lifeguard present. Wear properly fitted life jackets when swimming or boating and avoid the use of substances that can impair your judgment and slow your reflexes.    

Learn How to Swim with the Y! 

Did you know that in most drowning cases, the victim had no intention of going into the water in the first place? Slips, falls, and boating accidents happen when you least expect it. This is why one of the best defenses against drowning is learning how to swim in the first place. Learning how to swim might save your life or the life of someone you love.   

“I have seen both of my two girls go from being afraid of the water to jumping in the deep end with utter joy (and complete safety) as a result of the YMCA swimming lessons,” said Danielle, who loves seeing her daughters’ confidence Shine On through programs with the Y. (Read more about Danielle’s powerful and transformative story here!)  

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers nationally accredited aquatics programs and swim lessons taught by certified instructors that will empower you or your children with the skills needed to swim comfortably and confidently. Our programs will help build confidence and skills to help you enjoy your time around the water and to help keep you and those around you as safe as possible. Last year, our swim lessons helped over 8,500 participants learn how to enjoy their time in the water safely.   

Register for Swim Lessons with the Y here! 

Lifeguard Training  

Did you know that around 99% of drownings also occur in areas without a lifeguard? The YMCA is determined to address the shortage of lifeguards in our communities to keep everyone safe. Our Advanced Aquatics Scholarships help to promote water safety and provide more young people with the opportunity to become lifeguards through learning life-saving skills, gaining valuable employment experience, and helping to make their communities safer together.   

“The Y’s swimming lessons are very important. They give an opportunity to so many children who would have never had that opportunity otherwise. Most of our local communities have a body of water, so for children to have an opportunity to learn to swim is really important both for their safety and development.”  

– Brooke G., who has worked as a Y lifeguard since her childhood. 

Want to learn more? Click here to find out more about the Advanced Aquatics Scholarships

Together, we can create safer experiences in and around the water for everyone in our community. If you’d like to support our aquatics programs, please consider making a donation at www.GiveToTheY.ca.