07/25/2026
Today is World Drowning Prevention Day. Whether you’re choosing to cool off in the ocean, a lake, river, bathtub or splash park, it’s important to practice water safety – especially with the amount of rain some places in Canada have had this year, Drowning can often be silent or go unnoticed until it’s too late, and infants or young children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm or 1 inch of water.
Here are some tips to help prevent drowning:
🛟 Designate a responsible sober adult to actively supervise and keep kids within arms reach in or around any body of water. This applies to places such as pools, bathtubs and hot tubs, lakes, rivers, ponds, fountains, irrigation and drainage ditches, wells, cisterns, livestock waterers, and even large water bowls for pets, coolers, cleaning buckets or toilets.
🛟 Learn to swim and how to do CPR - this applies to all ages! Being able to swim and tread water can be lifesaving, as can the basics of lifesaving and how to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
🛟 Use properly fitted life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) and make sure they are in good repair, especially in natural bodies of water where currents may be present and unexpected. Puddle jumpers, water wings, and floaties are not substitutes for PFDs.
🛟 Teach kids about water safety like inspecting the swimming area for hazards, going feet first instead of head first into bodies of water (especially unknown ones), always swimming with a buddy and not pushing or jumping on others in or around water.
🛟 Don’t try to hold your breath for an extended period of time underwater or hyperventilate before going under. This can cause you to pass out and drown due to ‘shallow water blackout’ or ‘hypoxic blackout’.
If you’re out on the water, make sure you’re familiar with local boating and marine laws as well. Being water smart can mean the difference between enjoying a beautiful summer day or a storm of unfortunate events.
Stay safe and cool off this weekend by visiting one of your local parks!
Think your community splash pad or spray park needs an upgrade? We can help: https://playquest.ca/spray-parks/