At Back to Basics Swim Academy, we don’t just teach swim lessons, we teach life-saving skills. This week, we’re inviting you to help us raise awareness about a danger that’s far too common and far too silent: drowning.
National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) 2025 is here, and this year’s theme is a powerful one: Safer Together.
Water safety isn’t a one-person job. It takes a team; parents, swimmers, instructors, lifeguards, and entire communities, working together to protect lives.
Drowning is Silent. Fast. And Shockingly Common.
Unlike what you see in movies, drowning doesn’t come with splashes or cries for help. It’s silent, and can happen in less than 30 seconds.
Every year, hundreds of Canadians lose their lives to drowning. Many more survive but suffer long-term physical and emotional impacts.
What’s most alarming? Most victims weren’t being reckless. They were boating, walking near the water, or playing in a backyard pool. They didn’t expect to be in danger, but it found them anyway.
We have the power to change that, starting this week.
Safer Together: 5 Life-Saving Habits Every Family Should Know
You don’t need to be a lifeguard to prevent drowning. You just need to stay alert, be prepared, and lead by example. These five habits can make a life-saving difference:
1. Never Swim or Boat Alone
Even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble. Whether you’re in a pool, on a boat, or skating on ice, always bring a buddy.
2. Wear a Life Jacket – Properly
Life jackets save lives, but only when they’re worn correctly. Make sure every family member has one that fits, and wears it every time.
3. Supervise Children Within Arm’s Reach
If your child is in or near the water, your full attention should be too. Being close isn’t enough, stay within reach, always.
4. Choose Lifeguard-Supervised Areas
Lifeguards are trained to spot and respond to danger before it escalates. If there’s no lifeguard present, it’s not the safest place to swim.
5. Learn First Aid and CPR
In an emergency, seconds matter. First aid and CPR training can turn panic into action and save a life when every second counts.
Got a Backyard Pool? Make It Safe, Not Scary.
A backyard pool can be the highlight of summer, or a hidden hazard. Here’s how to keep yours safe:
- Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate
- Keep rescue gear and a phone nearby
- Supervise at all times, no phones, no distractions
- Remove toys and floaties when the pool isn’t in use
Even shallow water can be deadly without proper precautions. Don’t assume experience equals safety, watch every swimmer, every time.
Take Action This Week
NDPW isn’t just about spreading awareness, it’s about taking action. Here’s how you can get involved today:
- Talk to your kids about water safety
- Set clear water play rules
- Review your backyard or cottage safety setup
- Share a tip online using #SaferTogether
- Sign up for swim lessons or a CPR course
- Be the buddy. Be the supervisor. Be the example.
At Back to Basics, Safety Comes First
Every lesson we teach, every safety tip we share, and every smile we see in the water is grounded in one goal: helping families stay safe.
Because swimming isn’t just about strokes, it’s about survival.
This week, let’s not just talk about drowning prevention. Let’s lead it. Let’s live it. Let’s be Safer Together.
This Week Only!
In honour of Drowning Prevention Week, we’re offering 25% off swim lessons for new registrations and Summer Swim Intensives. It’s the perfect time to build water confidence and learn life-saving skills, because water safety starts with strong swimmers.
Offer ends Sunday, July 27th. Don’t miss it!
Ready to take the next step?
Visit backtobasicsswim.ca to register for lessons, learn more about water safety, or join the conversation during National Drowning Prevention Week.
This blog is inspired by the National Drowning Prevention Week 2025 Asset Kit provided by the Lifesaving Society of Ontario. Learn more and get involved at www.lifesavingsociety.com or by following @lifesavingsocietyon on social media.