Y Winnipeg Steps Up for National Drowning Prevention Week

As Winnipeggers flock to beaches and swimming pools to beat the heat, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg (Y Winnipeg) is speaking up about water safety during National Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from July 19 to 25, 2026. 

“July is statistically the most dangerous month of the year for water-related incidents, and in Manitoba we see an average of 22 fatal drownings each year,” says Danielle Jones-Rey, Aquatic Specialist at Y Winnipeg. “By launching a city-wide water safety program during National Drowning Prevention Week, we hope to raise awareness of simple, lifesaving drowning prevention techniques. Our goal is to ensure families can enjoy our pools and gorgeous beaches to the fullest, and that means doing it safely and with confidence.” 

According to Lifesaving Society Manitoba, 8% of drownings occurred in swimming pools in 2025 and less than 1% occurred in lifeguard supervised settings. The majority took place in open water environments, with 34% occurring in lakes or ponds and 32% in rivers 

“Living in Manitoba, we are fortunate to have access to so many natural bodies of water,” says Wendy Shewchuk, Community Hub Manager at YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. “While that comes with its own risks, the good news is that the vast majority of drownings are preventable with the right preparation and care.” 

During this week, Y Winnipeg is stepping up educational content online and in community hubs, paying special attention to open water safety in addition to the Y's usual swimming lesson and lifesaving curricula. 

“We’ll be running emergency buzzer drills during swim lessons and water safety resources will be available at all hubs, so members can learn more about things like lifejacket fittings, safety around water, and ways to look out for each other,” Jones-Rey says. “We’ll also have a visit from Buddy the Lifeguard Dog, Lifesaving Society Manitoba’s mascot!” 

Y Winnipeg is proud to carry forward the legacy of YMCA Canada, which developed and launched Canada’s very first standardized national aquatic program in 1931. On average, in addition to teaching over 29,000 Winnipeggers to swim every year, Y Winnipeg delivers 45 Advanced Lifesaving Courses to 263 participants annually and employs 137 lifeguards.  

Camp Stephens, operated by Y Winnipeg on Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario, is also leading the way in open water safety. 

“Every year, we host over 1,100 children and youth, and deploy around 20 canoe trips ranging from 1 to 6 weeks long,” Jones-Rey says. “These kids come to us with all levels of abilities, and because we’re based on an island, it’s critical we equip them with the knowledge and tools to stay safe both in and around the water. The Lifesaving Society recommends a minimum of 1 lifeguard for up to 30 kids, but we go above and beyond by maintaining a ratio of 1 lifeguard to 8 kids and keeping over 50 staff on-hand who have their Bronze Cross or higher.”