Water Smart Program for Schools

Lifesaving Society Manitoba would love to visit your school as part of the Water Smart Program for Schools, to deliver presentations on water safety or ice safety (depending on the season) and drowning prevention to your classes.  Youth in Canada are at a higher statistical risk of injury or death in, on and around the water.  These training sessions are designed to reduce injury and water-related tragedies.

Perfect for early years, middle years, and senior years physical education classes! The Lifesaving Society provides elementary and high school Water Smart presentations to teach children and youth how to be safe around water, regardless if the water is frozen or not. We cover drowning facts, Within Arms Reach, the importance of wearing a lifejacket or PFD, and how to save someone who is drowning. In summer, we cover spotting unsafe swimming areas, sun safety and awareness of heat related injuries. In winter, we cover types of ice, ice thickness, sled safety and awareness of cold related injuries. Children and youth participate in hands-on activities. The classroom-based presentation is supplemented with resource and activity sheets. This 30- to 60-minute presentation is a great way to give valuable Water Smart tips to children and youth before they head out for summer or go sledding and ice fishing in the winter months.

To request our program, please complete the application form found here.

Presentation Details

Presentations are available Mondays through Thursdays throughout the year, depending on staff availability.  During May and June we have more staff available to deliver public education sessions, and you are more likely to receive a visit if your request for a presentation falls within those two months.  Applications are accepted throughout the year, but we do ask that you give us at least 30 days notice of your request to allow for proper scheduling.

Our presentations have been reviewed by educational authorities, including early years and middle years teachers.  The length of time required by our instructors to deliver a presentation will vary depending on grade level.  Our general presentation times are as follows: