Drowning Prevention Week - July 19 to 25

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 19 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 opportunities
3. Fast Facts
4. Lifesaving Society resources
5. Colouring contest

 National Drowning Prevention Week

This year’s theme, “Prepare to be Water Smart” aims to teach Ontarians the simple steps they can take to prevent drowning and water-related injury by preparing themselves to be in, on, and around the water.

• Drowning is preventable.
• Preparation saves lives.
• Small steps can make a big difference:

• • Stay within arm’s reach. When you’re swimming with your little ones, stay close enough to support them if needed. If you’re not within arm’s reach, you’ve gone too far
  • Wear a lifejacket. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Lifejackets are like seat belts: they’re meant to be worn. Prepare for safe boat trips and wear your lifejacket.
  • Learn to swim. Learning to swim is the best way you can prepare to be in, on, or around water. Sign up for lessons today.
  • Swim where the lifeguards are. Only 1% of fatal drownings occur in lifeguard-supervised settings. Plan ahead and choose to swim where the lifeguards are.
  • Actively supervise children at all times. Drowning can happen in small amounts of water. Kiddie pools, water tables and even buckets still require active adult supervision

Awareness opportunities (July 19 to 25, 2026)

Water safety information

Water safety information and activity sheets related to drowning prevention and swim safety will be offered during National Drowning Prevention Week, July 19 to 25, 2026, at all City of Kitchener pool locations.

National Drowning Prevention Week – TOONIE SWIM**

• Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
• Location: Harry Class Pool
• Note: Regular swim admission standards apply

World Drowning Prevention Day

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25. It serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offers lifesaving solutions to prevent it.

·       Wear blue in recognition

·       City of Kitchener City Hall and Kitchener Memorial Auditorium light up in blue in recognition

·       Learn more: World Drowning Prevention Day

Fast Facts

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

• On average, there are about 450 fatal drownings each year in Canada.

• Most people who drown never intended to go in the water. Swimming as a recreational activity accounts for 35% of fatal drownings.

• Drowning is the third-leading cause of injury-related death for Canadian children under 14 years of age, and statistics show that children under 12, boaters, young men, and seniors 65+ are at the greatest risk. 

• 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 victims were swimming alone when they drowned.

• In 38% of swimming-related fatalities, the person was a weak or non-swimmer. 

• Powerboating accounts for over 50% of recreational boating-related fatalities in Canada.

Lifesaving Society Resources

Learn more at Lifesaving Society | Resources

Colouring contest

It’s summertime, which means the Kitchener Swims penguin is ready to have some fun in the sun! Help Penny the Penguin prepare for a safe and fun summer near the water with this coloring sheet.

Submit the colouring sheet to any City of Kitchener pool by Friday, July 31, 2026. Include your name and contact information to be entered into a draw to win a free 2027 Summer Splash Pass!

Two winners will be selected and contacted in the Spring of 2027. Entries must be submitted by Friday, July 31, 2026 at any of the City of Kitchener pool locations. One submission per person. There is no age limit to participate.

• Colouring sheet and rules