2025 National Drowning Prevention Week

NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK

JULY 20th TO 26^th, 2025 

Safer Together

July 20th, 2025 — Winnipeg, MB, — On average, July is the month of the year with the highest number of drowning deaths. The Lifesaving Society uses this time to focus on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.  “Already this year, we’ve seen numerous water related deaths in Manitoba,” said Lifesaving Society Manitoba Executive Director Lynne Stefanchuk. “Drowning is preventable, and we hope all Manitobans take steps to reduce the risk.”

This year’s theme for NDPW is Safer Together.  The Lifesaving Society will be focusing on messages encouraging swimming and boating with a buddy, staying within arms’ reach of children, swimming in lifeguard-supervised areas, wearing lifejackets, and water safety for the whole family.

Lifesaving Society Manitoba will be joined by affiliates across the province in thanking lifeguards for the important work they do and running special programming to drive home the importance of learning to swim as a life skill.

Winnipeg will join other cities across the Commonwealth by lighting up in blue to mark the need for drowning prevention.  Monday July 21^st, the Esplanade Riel Footbridge and the Winnipeg Sign at The Forks will shine blue.  You’ll also see the Lifesaving Society logo on the dome of the Manitoba Legislature.

Lifesaving Society Manitoba will kick off the week Sunday afternoon at a Valour FC soccer game at Princess Auto Stadium.  Staff will participate in a newcomer sharing circle on water safety at the Elmwood Community Centre Tuesday evening.  Thursday and Friday, Lifesaving Society Manitoba will visit its’ aquatic affiliate in Swan River to celebrate the great service it provides to the community.

“We still have work to do,” said Stefanchuk. “The Lifesaving Society’s work with our partners and affiliates shows a growing appetite for water safety education in ways that encourage even more people to participate.  The 2025 Manitoba Drowning Report emphasizes the need to continue to encourage the use of lifejackets, to boat sober, and to keep children within arm’s reach.