(Barrie, ON) - National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) runs from July 19 to July 25, 2026, and the City of Barrie reminds residents to always practice water safety. The main theme for this year’s NDPW is "Prepare to be Water Smart," focusing on planning ahead, building skills, and making safe choices.
Follow these tips from the Lifesaving Society to help keep you and your family safe around the water.
- Supervise Children. Always directly supervise children around the water – if you are not within arm’s reach, you’ve gone too far.
- Boating Safety. Don't boat alone and always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
- Learn to Swim. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water?
- Stay Sober In, On, and Around Water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in many water-related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impair balance, judgment, and reflexes. Stay sober when in, on, or around the water.
- Open Water Safety. Make smart choices before going in, on, or around the water.
- Just Keep Learning. You can save a life. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.
City lifeguards will be visiting Barrie parks and playgrounds across the city during NDPW to share water safety education and the importance of learning how to swim. The City is proud to offer swimming lessons for all ages. Residents who are starting swimming lessons for the first time are encouraged to sign up for a FREE swim assessment this summer at play.barrie.ca. Certified swimming instructors will help you find the perfect level for you to get started. Those residents who complete the free swim assessment will be entered into a draw to win a free session of swimming lessons this fall.
Once again this summer, City of Barrie beaches are providing the PFD Loan Service, which aims to prevent drownings by increasing the availability of PFDs and educating the public on how to fit and use them. Visitors can borrow certified PFDs for FREE from the Lifeguard Offices at both Centennial Beach and Johnson’s Beach during times that lifeguards are on duty (11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting).
The City also provides backyard pool safety resources through the Lifesaving Society’s On Guard Program. When residents receive a valid City of Barrie pool fence permit, they also receive a Lifesaving Society's On Guard card and pool safety package. The card reminds parents and caregivers that a designated adult should always be watching children near water. If you wear the card, you’re on guard.
According to the Lifesaving Society, over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents each year.
