Ahead of summer, Edmonton authorities are intensifying their focus on water safety education.
Edmonton, Alberta is taking steps to ensure water safety during the National Drowning Prevention Week, with a focus on pool safety. The city is offering free swimming programs at Clareview, Mill Woods, and The Meadows recreation centres as an introduction to using swimming pools.
The Lifesaving Society stresses the importance of constant supervision, especially around young children. Distracted or absent supervision is a significant factor in 100% of child drowning deaths. Therefore, having an attentive adult supervise children at all times near pools is critical.
Swimming alone significantly increases drowning risk. It is advisable to always swim with someone else, especially for vulnerable groups like children and older adults.
Edmonton officials are promoting the use of lifejackets and floatation devices, particularly for weak swimmers and when outside of pools. Proper use of these aids can save lives.
Participating in swimming lessons, refreshing swimming skills, and lifesaving training are valuable for all ages, even non-lifeguards. These activities help prevent drowning incidents and enhance water safety knowledge.
To raise community awareness about drowning risks and prevention, Edmonton is hosting public activities such as lifejacket demonstrations, free public swims, flag-raising ceremonies, and educational outreach.
The overall theme for 2025’s National Drowning Prevention Week is “Safer Together!”, emphasizing shared responsibility in being vigilant, swimming with others, and reinforcing pool safety practices.
It's essential to remember that many water-related incidents are preventable. In Alberta, drowning disproportionately affects marginalized communities and men. On rivers, wear a lifejacket and know how to wear it properly, regardless of water vessel or swimming ability.
Moreover, alcohol and cannabis can impair balance, judgement, and reflexes, putting yourself and others at risk in, on, and around water. Always prioritize safety and avoid these substances when participating in water activities.
By following these guidelines, we can work together to make our pools safer and reduce the risk of drowning incidents during National Drowning Prevention Week and throughout the year.
- To complement the water safety measures during National Drowning Prevention Week, healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of promoting health-and-wellness, including fitness-and-exercise and nutrition, to strengthen individuals' physical abilities and reactions, thus decreasing the likelihood of drowning.
- Aware of the importance of a holistic approach to water safety, city officials in Edmonton are encouraging news outlets to highlight not only the science of water safety but also its relevance to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and their collective impact on preventing drowning incidents.
