Water Smart® Campaign
The Lifesaving Society’s Water Smart® campaign is an annual campaign aimed at promoting standardized public education messages through initiatives, such as Lifejacket Loaner Station programs, the Northwest Territories Water Smart® program and National Drowning Prevention Week. The Lifesaving Society encourages all of our affiliate members and the public to get involved and support the Water Smart® campaign. The Lifesaving Society delivers Water Smart® messages through our Swim for Life and Swim to Survive programs, through the media and through community action.
The Lifesaving Society can support you with Water Smart Materials to host a Water Smart® event in your community.
The Water Smart® resources can be used throughout the year in a variety of ways including:
- Offering Swim to Survive® in your community
- Promoting safe behaviors at an aquatic facility or waterfront
- Educating the public at community events
- National Drowning Prevention Week (third week of July)
- Enhance existing programs and initiatives within your community
Northwest Territories Water Smart® Program
In a collaborative effort to support the Northwest Territories Drowning Prevention Action Plan, the Lifesaving Society and various communities in the Northwest Territories will continue to deliver the Northwest Territories Water Smart® program each year.
Since 2011 the Water Smart® program has been delivered to thirty three (33) communities in the Northwest Territories. Communities have engaged with the Lifesaving Society to build awareness and provide opportunities to develop skills that will keep their communities safe in, on and around the water. The Northwest Territories Water Smart® Program can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each community.
The Northwest Territories Water Smart® Program provides education on safe boating practices, wearing of lifejackets/PFDs, learning Swim to Survive® skills, and establishing safe waterfronts and boat launches.
The Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories gratefully acknowledges the support of Transport Canada and the Government of Northwest Territories.
Below are key Water Smart resource guides:
Water Smart Activity Guide
NWT Water Smart Program - Guide for Community Leaders
Waterfront Safety Guide
