National Drowning Prevention Week

Drowning Prevention

Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many. The Lifesaving Society designates the third week in July as National Drowning Prevention Week. During the week of July 20 to 26, 2025, our pools will offer resources and awareness programs to help keep you and your family stay safe all year long.

On this page:

1. National Drowning Prevention Week
2. Awareness events
3. Fast Facts
4. Lifesaving Society resources
5. Colouring contest

National Drowning Prevention Week

This year’s theme is Safer Together. Being aware of how to reduce the risk is a good step towards drowning prevention.

• Supervise Children. Always directly supervise children around the water - if you are not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.

• Boating Safety. Don't boat alone and always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.

• Learn to Swim. 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?

• Stay Sober In, On, and Around Water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in many water-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impair balance, judgment, and reflexes. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.

• Open Water Safety. Make smart choices before going in, on or around the water.

• Just Keep Learning. You can save a life-yours, and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.

Awareness events (July 20-26, 2025)

Daily events related to drowning prevention and swim safety will be offered during National Drowning Prevention Week, July 20-26, 2025, at all City of Kitchener pool locations:

Fatal & Non-Fatal Drowning

Date: Sunday, July 20

Location: Wilson Pool

Open Water Safety

Date: Monday, July 21

Location: Idlewood Pool

Backyard Pool Safety

Date: Tuesday, July 22

Location: Breithaupt Pool

Swim to Survive

Date: Wednesday, July 23

Location: Grand River Recreation Complex

Supervising Children In, On & Around Water

Date: Thursday, July 24

Location: Forest Heights Pool

National Drowning Prevention Day - FREE SWIM **

Date: Friday, July 25

Time: 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Harry Class Pool

Note: Regular swim admission standards apply

Alcohol & Substance Use

Date: Friday, July 25

Location: Harry Class Pool

Boating Safety

Date: Saturday, July 26

Location: Kiwanis Park

Fast Facts

• Drowning is fast and silent, often occurring in less than 30 seconds.

• On average there are about 440 drownings each year in Canada.

• Most people who drown never intended to go in the water. Swimming as a recreational activity accounts for 38% of drownings.

• Our most recent data shows that drowning rates are highest among older adults 65 years and older (26%) followed by 20- to 34-year-olds (24%).

• Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60+ years of age.

• Swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool. Know your limits and check local conditions before going in.

• Drowning doesn’t always mean death, but non-fatal drowning can result in lifelong health issues.

• For every fatal drowning in Ontario, there are nearly four non-fatal drownings that are serious enough to require an emergency department visit.

Lifesaving Society Resources

Learn more at Lifesaving Society | Resources

Colouring contest

2025 Drowning prevention week colouring contest

It’s Summertime which means the Kitchener Swims penguin is ready for some fun in the sun! Help them prepare for a safe and fun summer near the water by colouring in the colouring sheet. Bring it back to your local City of Kitchener Pool by Friday, August 1, 2025. Include your name and contact information to be entered in a draw to win a free 2026 Summer Splash Pass!

Three winners will be selected and contacted in the Spring of 2026. Entries must be submitted by Friday, August 1, 2025, at any of the City of Kitchener pool locations. One submission per person. There is no age limit to participate.

• Colouring sheet
• Contest rules sheet