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Back to SearchThe Lifesaving Society designates the third week in July (July 21st to 27th, 2024) as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.
This year, we are focusing on educating residents on non-fatal drowning. Non-fatal drowning is disproportionately impacting children in Ontario.
Each year in Ontario there is an average of:
- 164 drowning deaths
- 100 hospitalizations due to non-fatal drowning
- 568 emergency department visits due to non-fatal drowning.
Drowning doesn’t always lead to death. Don’t be a 2024 statistic. Learn more about non-fatal drowning from Water Smart Parents.
Are You Water Smart?
Take the Water Smart Parents quiz to test your water safety knowledge and skills at https://watersmartparents.ca/.
More Ways to Stay Safe
| The Drowning Problem |
| Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many. |
| Supervise Children |
| Always directly supervise children around the water - if you are not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far. |
| Boating Safety |
| Choose it. Use it. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat. Do you know the differences between a lifejacket and a PFD? Find out more on the Water Smart Parent website. |
| 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 |
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Make smart choices before going in, on or around the water. |
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Ensure Your Backyard Pool is Safe |
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Even if your pool is already open for the summer, take a look at the Lifesaving Society’s checklist to beef up your backyard safety. Your family deserves a safe swim environment. |
| Just Keep Learning |
| You can save a life, yours, and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today. Find information on the Life Saving Society’s website. |
For more information, visit the Lifesaving Society’s website at www.lifesavingsociety.com.