Burlington Recognizes National Drowning Prevention Week, July 22-29

Please see the media release below from the City of Burlington.Burlington, Ont. — July 17, 2019 – July 22-29 is National Drowning Prevention Week and the City of Burlington would like to remind everyone to be vigilant in and around water and to encourage everyone to learn to swim, regardless of age.According to the Life Saving Society, approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents each year.Swimming is a life-skill and learning to swim is an important step to being safe in and around water and to prevent drowning. The City offers many learn to swim programs for all abilities and ages. To register, please visit burlington.ca/play.

"The City's pools are supervised by trained lifeguards, they are fun and the safest places to enjoy swimming. Common sense and rules still need to be followed, but when something happens, you can rest assured our highly-trained lifeguards and aquatics staff will react quickly. My best advice to everyone is to learn how to swim. It's fun, great exercise and could save your life." — Heather Kress, Supervisor of Aquatics, City of Burlington

Each day during National Drowning Prevention Week will feature a new safety message, with events planned throughout the week at one of our pools:

• Monday, July 22, 1:30-3 p.m., Aldershot Pool, Swim to Survive
• Tuesday, July 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Tansley Woods Pool, Ice Safety
• Wednesday, July 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Nelson Pool, Boat Safety
• Thursday, July 25, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Lasalle Splash Park, Swim with a Buddy
• Friday, July 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Mountainside Pool and Splash Park, Lifeguard Rescue

Safety Tips:

• Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be especially vigilant while supervising children in the water as a child can drown in seconds and is usually a silent event
• If you’re not within arms’ reach, you’re too far away
• Parents and caregivers should also put their phones away when their children are in, on or around water and give their undivided attention to their child
• Always wear a lifejacket when you go boating.

The City is currently recruiting for fall aquatic staff, including lifeguards. If you are interested in joining our highly-skilled and dedicated lifeguard team, please apply online at burlington.ca/careers. For more information, visit burlington.ca/swimming.