National Drowning Prevention Week

National Drowning Prevention Week, held July 16-22, 2023, is the Lifesaving Society’s annual drowning prevention awareness event. 


Statistics

These statistics are from the Canadian Drowning Report – 2018 Edition. 

  • Drowning is Preventable. Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
  • Watch me, not your phone.  Always actively supervise children around the water - if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
  • Be Boat Smart - Wear a Lifejacket.  Choose It. Use It. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
  • Learn to Swim to Survive. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water?
  • Swim with a buddy.  Make smart choices before going into or out on the water.
  • Know your limits. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impairs judgment, reflexes and balance. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
  • Be Water Smart all year round. You can save a life – yours and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.
Drowning Prevention Week