Prepare to be water smart! 

Did you know?

From 2017 to 2021, unintentional drownings tragically claimed 2,424 lives throughout Canada. This data—from the 2025 edition of the Canadian Drowning Report—reveals a consistent trend nationwide. 

National Drowning Prevention Week

The Lifesaving Society has designated July 19 to 25, 2026, as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW). This annual initiative aims to highlight the critical issue of drowning and promote essential prevention strategies. Why? Because the majority of drowning victims never intended to go in the water in the first place. That’s why this year’s theme, Prepare to be Water Smart, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, building aquatic skills, and making smart choices around water to save lives.

The Canadian drowning problem 

• Over 450 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents each year. 
• Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60+ years of age. 
• Ultimately, even one drowning is one too many.

Drowning risk by age group

While drowning is a risk for anyone, some age groups are more vulnerable:

• Young adults between 20 and 34 years old.
• Adults 50 to 64 years old and seniors over 65 are particularly vulnerable.
• The risk extends to young children, particularly those under five years old.

Most common victims of drowning

• The most common victims of drowning are male, especially those between 20-34 years of age. 
• Between 2015 and 2019, an average of 343 males and 98 females died from drowning annually. 
• Males accounted for 78 per cent of drowning deaths, while females accounted for 22 per cent. 

Supervise children

• The majority of drownings in children under five years of age are due to a lack of supervision.
• It is critical that parents and caregivers watch children while they are in the water and not be distracted—WATCH THE CHILDREN, NOT YOUR PHONE. 
• STAY WITHIN ARM’S REACH! Adults should always be within arm’s reach of young children when in or near the water.

Watch me (toddlers)—not your phone!

• Toddlers are highly susceptible to drowning due to their mobility, curiosity, and speed, necessitating continuous adult supervision.
• Remember, while Lifejackets and PFDs provide an important layer of safety, they don’t replace the need for vigilant adult supervision.
• Risk in the bathtub for infants & young children under 5 years 
• Children under five years of age should always be watched when they are in the bathtub.
• Leave your phone or tablet out of the bathroom.

Backyard pool safety 

• Sadly, private backyard pools remain the leading location for drownings among children aged one to four each year; remember … children can drown quickly and quietly.
• Always provide direct supervision by designating a responsible adult who can swim to be a Backyard Pool Lifeguard.
• Always put away water toys after swimming to prevent children from being tempted to return to the pool.
• Ensure that your backyard pool is designed to be safe so that it is not accessible to children.
• Control and restrict access to the water by implementing multiple layers of protection, such as a fenced area with a self-closing, lockable gate.

Boating Safety

• ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET/PFD … CHOOSE IT AND WEAR IT!
• Not wearing a LIFEJACKET/PFD is a key factor in most boating deaths.
• LIFEJACKETS/PFDs are like seatbelts … they help you if the unexpected happens.
• LIFEJACKETS/PFDs are for every age and ability … even strong swimmers need to wear them!
• Be prepared … know before you go; always check the weather forecast and learn about all the local hazards.
• Before heading out on the water, always ensure you have a boat safety kit on board and that your boat and all its accessories are in good working condition.
• Never boat alone; boating alone is a major factor in boating-related fatalities.
• Watch out for other swimmers and other boaters; always have a spotter when towing water skiers and tube riders.
• Ensure you have boating equipment that is appropriate to the season.
• Inflatables can obstruct views, float away, and take children/adults further out than they intended to be.
• Limit the use and number of inflatables/pool toys; do not bring them when it is windy.

Learn to swim

• Swimming skills need to be taught; basic swimming ability is crucial for any meaningful effort to eliminate drowning in Canada.
• Remember, swimming is a life skill that stays with you forever.
• To learn more about swimming lessons, reach out to your local Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive instructors.

Alcohol & water don’t mix!

• Alcohol is the number one intoxicant contributing to drowning fatalities in Canada every year.
• Alcohol is a contributing factor to fatal drowning in 35 per cent of boating fatalities and 31 per cent of swimming fatalities every year in Canada.
• Don’t Drink & Drown!

Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.