Not everyone grows up around the water or takes swimming
lessons. But almost everyone loves to be around the water. This is
true of many new Canadians (those who weren't born in Canada), who
are four times more likely to be unble to swim. New Canadian
families need water safety tips and reminders in their own
languages to help them understand risks and how to stay safe around
the water.
Safety information and drowning statistics
Find more information about new Canadians in the Drowning
Research section of this website.
Here's what you need to know to have fun in the pools, lakes and
rivers of Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Swim with a buddy - never alone
- Learn to swim - it's a life skill!
- adult and child swim lessons are available at your local pool
at can be very affordable
- Swim to Survive
- Swim only in areas supervised by
lifeguards.
- Weak or non-swimmers should wear lifejackets.
Ensure vigilant adult supervision in areas without lifeguards. In
the backyard pool, designate an adult to be "on guard."
- Parents, you are your child's lifeguard!
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any
meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving
Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for
Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop
solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water
Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to
Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim
to Survive is not a subsititute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the
minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep
water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's
Swim to Survive standard.