Dive into summer fun with important water safety tips

Making a splash at pools, spray pads, lakes, rivers or beaches should be a positive and fun experience but sometimes, water can become dangerous. The City is encouraging residents to put safety first when planning to swim or go near bodies of water. Staying safe around water requires awareness and responsibility.

Learn to swim

Often, people who drown didn’t plan on entering the water. It’s a good idea to join a swim program to learn how to swim. The City offers a variety of free swims, swimming classes and aquatics programs suitable for everyone, no matter what age. Each year, thousands of students participate in the Swim to Survive/Swim to Survive Plus program, created by the Lifesaving Society, a national charitable organization that works to prevent drowning and water-related injuries. It’s one of the ways Mississauga staff continue to teach essential swimming skills to residents and ensure that water safety tips are shared with students who spend time at pools or beaches.

New to Canada or Mississauga? Learn swimming skills through the Swim to Survive For Newcomers program. This free program removes financial barriers and is helpful for those who may not have had access to formal swim instruction earlier.

Water safety tips

Prioritizing water safety will help ensure a safe and happy summer. It is important to know how to be water smart. Whether you are splashing in a spray pad, boating on the lake or learning to swim for the first time, remembering these important water safety tips is key.

Be careful around rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes

Mississauga has beautiful parks, some that have bodies of water like ponds and rivers. These bodies of water could have hidden hazards, and it is important to only swim in designated areas. Remember, City parks are unsupervised, so it is advised not to swim in rivers where water conditions could change quickly and hazards like a strong current, debris or sharp objects may not be visible. Remember not to swim alone, or to dive headfirst into river or lakes. Be realistic about your swimming ability.

Spray pads

Spray pads can be a great way to cool off in the summer. Follow the posted rules and never leave children unattended, even for a moment. Remember that there is no running and roughhousing allowed at any of the City’s spray pads.

Supervise children

It doesn’t take long for a child to stray away, especially around water. Children under 12 have an increased drowning risk and need to be supervised at all times in and around the water.

Use a life jacket

Wearing a life jacket is an important safety measure you can take when on or near a body of water, especially like a river or a lake. A properly fitted life jacket keeps your head above water, even if you are exhausted, injured or unconscious. Even the strongest swimmers can get tired, so wearing a life jacket can allow you to stay afloat.

Life jackets can also keep you warm, and as an extra layer, they can help prevent a cold-water shock to your muscles. However, a poorly fitted life jacket can be just as dangerous. Life jackets aren’t one size fits all, so always check for proper fit for both children and adults.

Going on a boat this summer? You should always wear a life jacket because it will keep you at the water’s surface if you accidentally fall in. Before going near water this summer, always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device.

Don’t have a life jacket? Mississauga launched a life jacket lending pilot program that has now expanded across more locations. The libraries at Clarkson, Erin Meadows, Meadowvale and Frank McKechnie Community Centre loan out life jackets. Adults and children can borrow life jackets on a first-come, first-served basis. Sizes range from Infant to Adult XXL/XXL. Families can show their library card, government identification, and sign a waiver to borrow (up to five life jackets) for one week only. Once returned, Aquatics staff sanitize the life jackets and assess them for safety for the next borrower.

Stay sober

Alcohol and drug consumption are a factor in many drownings. Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs when swimming, as drowning can happen easily. Using alcohol or drugs can impair your judgement and co-ordination, weakening your balance, decision-making and response time.

Stay tuned for more water safety tips

The City of Mississauga recognizes National Drowning Prevention Week,  taking place from July 20-26, 2025. The City will run activities at City pools and host a Water Safety Awareness Day event at Celebration Square. Follow our social media channels or sign-up for the City’s eNewsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events.

Have more questions about how to swim safely or about staying safe around water? Visit mississauga.ca/swimming.

Tags

• Parks and Forestry
• Public Safety
• Recreation and Sports