Every Ontarian should take action to be safe while in, on or around the water. Data shows that some groups face a higher risk of drowning than others. Young children face a high risk of drowning (fatal and non-fatal), as do newcomers to Canada. There is also evidence to suggest that men aged 18 and older are more likely to make risky decisions, leading to higher fatal drowning rates among this group.
The Society conducts research to track trends in drowning rates and to identify high-risk groups. This helps to plan effective drowning prevention strategies, programs and messaging.
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Our Water Smart® Campaign encourages everybody to make safe choices in, on, and around water to prevent water-related injuries and deaths. Learning to swim is the best way to prepare for unexpected falls into deep water. Safe participation in aquatic activity involves using multiple layers of protection:
- Learn to swim. Lessons are available for all age groups.
- Stay within arms’ reach of children when on, in, or around the water (bathtubs, backyard pools, beaches, public pools and supervised beaches, boating, etc.).
- Wear a lifejacket whenever you are boating. Wear a lifejacket if you are a weak or non-swimmer in, on or around the water. There is a variety of lifejacket styles available for everyone and every activity.
- Swim in lifeguard-supervised settings and in designated zones. Learn about the different flags and what they mean.
- Swim and boat with a buddy.
- Get trained. Learn basic safe rescue skills, first aid/CPR, become a lifeguard and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Always be aware of what is going on around you while participating in aquatic recreation.