Our Northern Water Smart® Programs aim to reduce drowning in Manitoba’s remote and northern communities. We provide this training at no cost to communities thanks to funding from the Government of Manitoba and Health Canada.
For more information, please contact the Water Smart® Coordinator.
Summer Program Components
One or two Northern Water Smart® Instructors travel to your community for one week to deliver programs. Your community needs to provide food and accommodations for their stay. These programs are offered at no cost to your community members.
Swim to Survive® Swimming Lessons
Children and youth attend 5 days of 1-3 hour basic Swim to Survive® swimming lessons (weather dependent). Participants try the Swim to Survive® challenge, working towards being comfortable with the following skills. Should children or youth experience an unexpected fall into the water, these skills could save their lives.
- How to protect yourself when falling into the water (don’t panic),
- How to tread water for one minute (learn the moves),
- How to swim for 50 metres (getting to safety).
The Lifesaving Society believes that mastering the Swim to Survive skills will reduce drownings. Certificates are mailed to all participants.
Emergency First Aid, CPR Level A & AED
Candidates will learn basic rescue skills for general emergencies, such as choking, bleeding, broken bones, head injuries, burns, poisoning, nosebleeds, and CPR and AED usage for adults and children. Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health recognizes this course as First Aid Level 1.
Winter Program Components
The Northern Winter Smart Program can visit your community to deliver cold weather, hypothermia, and water safety education. As drowning can occur year-round, these training programs are designed to reduce injury and cold weather tragedies. The program can also include the Emergency First Aid course.
Winter Smart Ice Safety Presentation
This 1 to 2-hour presentation is designed for children and adults. The presentation includes information on high-risk groups, safe sledding practices, trip planning, safety equipment, ice safety, rescue techniques, and winter first aid.