Swim and splash with confidence: Learn water safety tips during National Drowning Prevention Week

Making a splash at pools, lakes, rivers or beaches should be positive and fun experience but sometimes, water can become dangerous. Every year, more than 400 Canadians die in water incidents that could be prevented, according to the Lifesaving Society. National Drowning Prevention Week is from July 21 to 27. During the week, the City of Mississauga will educate residents about important safety tips for being near water, outside of regular programs. On July 24, Water Safety Awareness Day, the City’s Aquatics team will share safety tips with people at pools and Mississauga Celebration Square.

Event details

What

The City’s Aquatics team is hosting an event to promote water safety. The event aims to provide residents with essential water safety tips for enjoying water-related activities during the summer and beyond. The event will feature water safety experts, live CPR and AED demonstrations, a community water safety skills relay race, a marketplace with community partners, and a draw with various prizes.

Who

• Aquatics staff
• Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
• Lifesaving Society
• Peel Regional Paramedic Services
• Peel Region Police – Marine Unit

When

Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where

Mississauga Celebration Square
300 City Centre Dr.
Mississauga, ON

Cost

Free – no registration necessary!

Water safety at the City

The City has a strong commitment to water safety. In 2023, more than 4,500 grade three students from 116 schools and more than 750 students in grade seven from 11 schools, participated in the Swim to Survive/Swim to Survive Plus program, created by the Lifesaving Society, a national charitable organization that works to prevent drowning and water-related injuries.

Borrow a lifejacket

Don’t have a lifejacket? Take advantage of our new pilot program.

Clarkson and Erin Meadows libraries are now loaning lifejackets, in partnership with Aquatics and their Community Centres. Adults and children can borrow lifejackets on a first-come, first serve basis.

Sizes range from Infant to Adult XXL/XXL. Families can show their library card, government identification, and sign a waiver to borrow (up to five lifejackets) for one week only.

Once returned, Aquatics staff sanitize the lifejackets, and assess them for safety for the next borrower.

Drowning prevention tips

Both people who can swim and those who can’t, may be in danger of drowning. Before going near water this summer, consider bringing a flotation device to keep around you and consider these tips:

Supervise children

It doesn’t take long for a child to run off or walk away from you. When you are around water, keep children within arms’ reach.

Lifejacket safety

Boating can be fun and exciting, but you should always wear a lifejacket because it will keep you at the surface of the water if you accidentally fall in. Life jackets can also keep you warm, as an extra layer, the lifejackets can prevent a cold-water shock to your muscles. However, know that a poorly fitted lifejacket can be just as dangerous. Lifejackets aren’t one size fits all so always check for proper fit for both children and adults.

Learn to swim

Often, people who drown didn’t plan on entering the water. It’s a good idea to join a swim program to learn how to swim. The City offers a variety of swimming classes and aquatics programs suitable for everyone, no matter what age.

Stay sober

Alcohol consumption is a factor in many drownings. Using alcohol or cannabis can make it dangerous to be around water because they weaken your balance, decision-making, and quick responses. It’s best to stay away from alcohol and cannabis when you’re close to or planning to go into the water.

Always stay safe and think twice before heading to the water this summer. Have more questions about how to swim safely or about staying safe around water? Visit Mississauga.ca/swimming

Tags

• Events and Exhibitions
• Public Safety
• Recreation and Sports