National Drowning Prevention Week 2025

“Safer Together”: July 20–26, 2025

This week marks National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), with the theme “Safer Together.” It’s a reminder that water safety is a shared responsibility—whether you're at the lake, the pool, or on a boat, being alert and looking out for one another can save lives.

Fast Facts:

Drowning is silent and fast. Most victims don’t scream or splash.
67% of drownings happen in natural water like lakes and rivers.
72% of older adults who drowned were alone at the time.
93% of drownings in kids under 5 happened during unattended moments.
79% of boating fatalities involved people not wearing lifejackets.

Lifejackets save lives

According to Transport Canada, 79% of people who died in boating-related incidents weren’t wearing a lifejacket. Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard by cold water shock, fatigue, or unexpected currents.

Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) gives you time:

Time to react.
Time to float.
Time to be rescued—or help someone else.

What you can do all year round

Whether you're heading to the beach, cottage, or pool, remember these tips:

Supervise children—if you're not within arm’s reach, you’re too far.
Swim in lifeguarded areas whenever possible.
Never swim or paddle alone.
Avoid alcohol or cannabis in and around the water.
Wear a lifejacket when boating or on open water.
Learn to swim: Basic swimming and water safety skills can make all the difference - take a water safety, first aid, or rescue course.

Drowning is preventable. And prevention starts with awareness, action and accountability.

For more information: