Safer Together: Building Water Safety Skills for Life
Every summer, Canadians head to lakes, pools, rivers, and beaches to cool off, relax, and make memories. But too often, these moments are overshadowed by tragedy.
That’s why the Lifesaving Society designates the third week of July as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW)—a national campaign to raise awareness, promote water safety, and help prevent drowning incidents across Canada.
This year’s theme, Safer Together, highlights a simple truth: drowning prevention is everyone’s responsibility. From parents and caregivers to instructors and bystanders, we all play a role in keeping our communities safe around water.
At the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, we’re proud to be leaders in aquatic education and drowning prevention. With over 90 years of experience and a commitment to water safety for all, we’re helping families build confidence, learn life-saving skills, and enjoy the water—safely.
Explore this page to find:
- Free water safety tips and tools
- Inspiring real-life stories from Y community members
- Swim lesson info and certification programs
- Ways to get involved all week long at your local Y
Together, we can reduce the risk. Together, we are Safer Together.
The Facts
Over 450 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents each year. | In Manitoba, there are 22 water-related fatalities annually. | Nearly 70% of drowning victims never intended to enter the water. | Drowning can happen in under 30 seconds, often without a splash or sound. |
Whether at a pool, or beach, we all have a role to play in making water activities safer.
Empowering Our Community with Water Safety Skills and Confidence
At the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe and confident around water. With over 90 years of experience in aquatic education, we are proud to lead the way in promoting water safety and drowning prevention in our community.
What is Water Competency?
Water competency is more than just knowing how to swim. It includes:
- Water Smarts – understanding risks and staying alert
- Swimming Skills – being able to swim, float, and get to safety
- Helping Others – knowing how to respond in an emergency
Join Us for National Drowning Prevention Week
From July 20–26, visit your local Y Community Hub for free water safety resources, posters, expert tips, and interactive displays. Follow us on social media all week for daily water safety reminders and real stories from our community.
Water Smart Tips to Remember
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times
- Wear a properly fitted lifejacket when boating
- Never swim alone – always swim with a buddy
- Supervise closely – even in shallow water
- Avoid alcohol when in, on, or around water
- Learn how to swim and how to respond to emergencies
Real Stories. Real Impact.
This National Drowning Prevention Week, we’re spotlighting local voices whose lives have been shaped by water safety, swim instruction, and the support of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg.
Swipe through or click below to read their Y Stories:
Alicia's Y Story
Alicia didn’t expect her career in Canada to start in a pool. In Ecuador, she had worked in banking, but when she moved here, a lifeguard job at Y Winnipeg was her first big opportunity. “It was more than just a job,” Alicia says. “It helped me feel confident in a new country and gave me a place to belong.”
Read Alicia's Story
Manuel's Y Story
“The YMCA helped my daughter keep swimming — and helped our family feel at home in a new country,” shared Manuel who recently came from Nicaragua. The move came with many challenges, but when he reached out to Y Winnipeg’s Recreation Opportunities for Children program, things began to change.
Read Manuel's Story
James's Y Story
When James enrolled his children in swim lessons, he hoped they’d stay active. What they gained was confidence, safety, and a new love for the water. “I explained that knowing how to swim is important and that he would be glad he learned it later on.”
Read James's Story
Fidel's Story
Reflecting on his journey from being a newcomer who couldn't swim to being an advocate for water safety, Fidel said "These experiences motivate me to show other newcomers that swimming can be fun and safe if we know how to respect the water."
Read Fidel's Story
Learn to Swim at Y Winnipeg
The YMCA developed Canada’s first national aquatic program. Today, we continue that legacy with swim lessons and aquatics programs for every age and ability. It’s never too early—or too late—to learn.
Become a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor
Want to make a difference? Become a certified lifeguard or instructor. You’ll gain valuable skills, give back to your community, and open the door to a meaningful job in aquatics.