Water safety starts before getting in the water

As Mississauga opens its seven outdoor pools on Saturday, June 13, the City is reminding residents to put safety first. The City is also expanding its free life jacket lending program to help more people stay safe while enjoying the water.

As residents swim and play in water, whether at pools, spray pads, lakes, rivers and beaches, it’s important to know the risks. Summer is the time when most water-related accidents happen. In total, 66 per cent of drowning deaths occur between May and September, with the highest number in July. This is why it is important to think about safety before heading outside.

Learn to swim

Learning how to swim is one of the best ways to stay safe. The City offers a wide range of swimming classes, aquatics programs and free swims for all ages and skill levels.

The City’s offerings include the Swim to Survive and Swim to Survive Plus programs created by the Lifesaving Society. These programs teach basic skills that can help prevent drowning.

Practise water safety

No matter how you spend time in the water, these tips can help keep you safe.

Be careful around rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes

Mississauga has many parks with water features like rivers and ponds. These places may look calm but can have hidden hazards like strong currents or deep water, so it is important to swim only in designated areas.

City parks are not supervised and conditions can change quickly. Never swim alone, know your own limits and never dive headfirst into rivers or lakes.

Wear a life jacket

Wearing a life jacket is one of the easiest ways to stay safe in or near water. It helps keep your head above water, even if you are tired, injured or unconscious. Life jackets don’t fit everyone the same way, so children and adults should make sure their life jacket fits properly before use.

If you don’t own a life jacket, you can borrow them from select City library branches. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Erin Meadows Library, Clarkson Library, Meadowvale Library, Frank McKechnie Library, Malton Library and Mississauga Valley Library. Life jackets are available at these locations in adult and child sizes, ranging from infant to adult XXL. To borrow one, show a library card, provide government identification and sign a waiver. Up to five life jackets can be borrowed for one week. Returned life jackets are cleaned and inspected by aquatic staff before being loaned again.

Be safe at 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 or roughhousing allowed at any of the City’s spray pads.

Always supervise children

Children under 12 are at a higher risk of drowning. They need constant supervision near water. Always keep them within sight and within arm’s reach.

Follow pool rules

Swimmers must follow the posted rules when swimming at City pools. Lifeguards may also provide directions that will help keep swimmers safe. If rules are not followed, you may be asked to leave.

Stay sober

Do not use alcohol or drugs when swimming or watching others in the water. They can affect your judgement and co-ordination and increase the risk of accidents.

National Drowning Prevention Week

The City of Mississauga recognizes National Drowning Prevention Week from July 19 to 25. Through the week, the City will run Free Fun Swims at select City pools.

On July 22, the City will host a Water Safety Awareness Day event at Celebration Square. This is a free event, open to everyone. At this event, residents can learn from experts, including the Lifesaving Society, Peel Paramedics, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services and Peel Regional Police Marine Unit.

For more information on swim lessons or aquatic leadership courses, visit mississauga.ca/swimming.

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• Public Safety
• Recreation and Sports
• Things to Do