"Drowning season" begins every year on the Victoria Day long
weekend in May and ends on the Labour Day long weekend in
September. This summer period typically has the highest drowning
rates for Ontarians. The Lifesaving Society believes that if every
Canadian could meet the Swim to Survive® standard, the number of
drownings could be reduced considerably.
In areas such as Durham Region, the collaboration of
municipalities, YMCAs and boards of education ensured that every
Grade 3 student participated in this lifesaving survival program,
which consists of three skills: roll into water, tread water for 1
min., and swim 50 m.
But there are some quieter success stories, too; in Kitchener, a
special needs class (that would not otherwise have access to a
swimming program) led by a very special teacher, climbed aboard the
local transportation and participated at their local community
centre. Indeed every child should learn how to survive in the
water.
With all of our Swim to Survive success stories, there is still
much to be done. What can you do to help? There are many ways
survival training can be implemented into day-to-day activities
such as:
- replace your current deep-end test with Swim to Survive
- offer free Swim to Survive evaluations during
family/recreational swims
- host a Swim to Survive day and challenge all patrons to attempt
the standard
- encourage your camp director to implement Swim to Survive as
the minimum requirement for all canoeists at your camp
- offer Swim to Survive evaluations with every birthday party
booking
- challenge your family to attempt the standard at, or prior to,
your next cottage vacation
Or use your imagination and come up with something original. No
matter how you do it, you will be helping to save lives! For more
ideas and information, visit the Take Action pages in the
Who's Drowning section of this website.
The Swim to Survive activity guide and participant certificates
are available from the Society. Email
Sindy Parsons or call 416-490-8884.