National Drowning Prevention Week 2025

Whether you’re heading to the pool, the cottage, or just enjoying water play in your own backyard, safety should always come first. National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), which takes place July 20 to 26, 2025, is a reminder for all of us to take simple but important steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones around water.

This year’s theme, Safer Together, reminds us that water safety is a shared responsibility. We are sharing tips and stats on how to stay safe – like always swimming with a buddy, keeping a close eye on kids, and wearing a properly fitted lifejacket.

Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the water safely this summer.

Never Swim or Boat Alone

• There’s safety in numbers – always swim or boat with a buddy!
• 29% of boating fatalities involved people who were alone.
• Over half of middle-aged men and two thirds of older adults who drowned were alone at the time.
• Even strong swimmers can get into trouble. Don’t go alone.
• Winter counts too – every year, people drown after falling through ice. Never go out on the ice alone.

Always Supervise Kids

• Children can drown in even a small amount of water – including kiddie pools, water tables, or buckets.
• Stay within arm’s reach of young children when they’re near or in the water.
• 16% of fatal drownings in Ontario happen in bathtubs – always stay tub side.
• Taking a break? Have all the kids get out of the water. Never supervise from a distance or while distracted.

Swim Where Lifeguards are Present

• Only 1% of fatal drownings happen where lifeguards are supervising.
• If you can’t see a lifeguard, they probably can’t see you.
• When possible, plan your water activities in lifeguard-supervised areas.

Lifejackets are for Everyone

• A lifejacket must fit properly and be worn correctly to work.
• 89% of fatal boating drownings involved someone who wasn’t wearing a lifejacket properly or at all.
• Set the example – parents, wear one too.
• Think of a lifejacket like a seatbelt: it won’t help if it’s not being worn.

Take a First Aid and CPR Course

• Are you ready if something goes wrong? Whether it’s a broken arm, a nosebleed, or a more serious emergency, First Aid and CPR can save a life.
• You don’t need any experience to take a course, and it’s a simple way to protect your loved ones.
• Check out the Lifesaving Society ON for training opportunities.

Plan for a Safe Vacation

• Water safety doesn’t take time off! Whether you’re going to a beach, cottage, or waterpark:
  • Check the weather and marine forecasts ahead of time
  • Pack and inspect safety gear
  • Know the local rules – and where the lifeguards are!

Backyard Pool Safety

Backyard pools can be fun – but they come with responsibilities:

• Fence your pool on all four sides
• Ensure gates are self-closing, lockable, and always secure
• Use the free safety checklists from the Lifesaving Society ON to ensure your pool is as safe as it can be: www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/backyard-pools.aspx.

Fast Facts

According to the Lifesaving Society ON:

• Drowning is fast and silent, often happening in under 30 seconds.
• About 450 fatal drownings occur each year in Canada.

• Most victims never intended to be in the water – 35% of cases happen during recreational swimming.
• Drowning is the third leading cause of injury-related death for kids under 14 in Canada
• Children under 12, boaters, young men and seniors 65+ are at the highest risk.
• Non-fatal drownings can still result in serious long-term health issues.
• For every fatal drowning in Ontario, there are nearly four non-fatal drownings serious enough to require an emergency department visit.
• Over one third of drowning victims were swimming alone.
• In 29% of boating-related fatalities, the person was alone.

By staying informed and making smart choices around water, we can all help prevent drowning tragedies. Let’s work together to keep our families and Russell Township safer — this summer and all year round.