National Drowning Prevention Week

National Drowning Prevention Week is an important reminder that water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Throughout the week, the City of Dryden is sharing simple but important messages to help residents and visitors enjoy lakes, pools, beaches, docks, and boats safely this summer.

Learning to swim is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning. Swimming lessons build confidence, improve water skills, and can help save lives. No matter your age, it is never too early or too late to learn. Residents can find information about swimming lessons through the City of Dryden’s recreation programming at http://www.dryden.ca/recreation-leisure/programming/.

Swimming with a buddy is another key safety habit. Water is safer with a friend, especially for anyone who is new to Canada or unfamiliar with local lakes, rivers, beaches, or boating conditions. A buddy can help in an emergency, watch for changing conditions, and make sure no one enters the water alone. If you are still building your swimming skills, choose supervised areas whenever possible and wear a life jacket when needed.

Active supervision is essential around water, especially for children and non-swimmers. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, even in only a few centimetres of water. Parents and caregivers should stay within arm’s reach of young children, keep their full attention on the water, and put phones and other distractions away. Whether at the beach, dock, pool, or even in the bathtub, close supervision helps prevent tragedy. More information about child water safety is available at http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/drowning-research/high-risk-groups/children.aspx.

Backyard pools also require care and attention. Pool safety is regulated in the City of Dryden, and private outdoor bodies of water deeper than 24 inches must be properly enclosed with a locking gate. Enclosures must meet by-law requirements, including minimum height and construction standards that help prevent climbing. Pool owners are reminded to ensure fencing and gates are secure, supervise children at all times, and empty inflatable or kiddie pools when they are not in use. To read the City of Dryden’s swimming pool by-law, visit http://www.dryden.ca/media-manager/media-pages/by-laws/chapter-234-swimming-pool-enclosures-by-law/.

Boating safety starts before leaving shore. Wearing a life jacket is one of the most effective ways to stay safe on the water. Having a life jacket in the boat is not the same as wearing it. Life jackets and personal flotation devices only work when they are worn, properly fitted, and suited to the activity. Weather, water temperature, and conditions can change quickly, so it is important to wear a life jacket from launch to landing. Learn more about choosing and wearing life jackets at http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/lifejackets/lifejackets-and-pfds.aspx.

Residents are also reminded that alcohol and water do not mix. Drinking while swimming or operating a boat affects judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of serious injury or drowning. This is especially important during holidays, weekends away, and visits to unfamiliar places such as hotel pools, beaches, docks, or rental boats. Learn local rules, pay attention to signage, and choose safe, sober decisions around water. More information is available at http://www.theswimguide.org/2025/05/19/what-you-need-to-know-about-alcohol-and-recreational-water-safety.

The final day of National Drowning Prevention Week also marks World Drowning Prevention Day, reinforcing that drowning prevention is a shared responsibility at home, at the lake, on the boat, and wherever water is part of daily life. Learning to swim, swimming with a buddy, supervising children closely, following local pool regulations, wearing a life jacket, and keeping alcohol away from water activities are small actions that can save lives. Watch the World Drowning Prevention Day video at https://youtu.be/8hBQFux5syU?si=0ZBWL17BkbFU8vus.

The City of Dryden encourages everyone to make water safety a priority all summer long.