National Drowning Prevention Week promotes awareness of the drowning prevention problem in Canada and the need for individuals, communities, organizations, and government to take action in an effort to save lives. Drowning is preventable!
National Drowning Prevention Week occurs every year in mid-July, when Canada's drowning rate is at its highest. This year, NDPW will take place from July 20 - 26, 2025.
In 2025, National Drowning Prevention Week will include World Drowning Prevention Day, which occurs every year on July 25. To learn more about World Drowning Prevention Day, check out its page on our site!
Interventions To Promote
Each day of National Drowning Prevention Week focuses on different drowning prevention topics. We encourage members of the public, community groups, and our governments to discuss and promote the following topics throughout the week:
July 20 - Fatal and Non-Fatal Drowning: Drowning doesn’t always look like an emergency, and too often, it happens when someone is alone. Never swim alone! Swim with a buddy, keep an eye on one another, and be ready to call for help.
July 21 – Open Water: 67% of drownings occur in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans. Open water adventures are always better with friends. Explore the great outdoors as a team, look out for each other, and make safety a shared priority.
July 22 - Pool Safety: Only 1% of drownings occur in lifeguard supervised settings. Lifeguards are your ultimate poolside companions! Swim in supervised settings where professionals are on watch. If you have access to an unsupervised pool, swim with a buddy, maintain active supervision, and keep rescue equipment nearby.
July 23 - Swim to Survive: Many drowning victims never intended to enter the water. Swimming is a lifesaving skill learned best together. Take lessons as a family or support a child's water confidence. Make swimming a shared experience.
July 24 - Supervision: Kids need more than just a lifeguard—they need you! Always directly supervise children in, on, and around the water—if you are not within arm's reach, you've gone too far.
July 25 – Substance Use: Alcohol and water don’t mix—your safety depends on clear judgment. Make smart choices, celebrate responsibly, and save the party for after the water.
July 26 – Boating Safety & PFDs: Safety starts with a simple step—remind everyone to buckle up their lifejackets. Whether you’re boating, paddling, or fishing, a lifejacket can save a life. Look out for each other and make safety a priority on the water. Choose it, use it!
BONUS: Send photos of your daily NDPW events to us at Experts@Lifesaving.org. If posting on social media, be sure to include the hashtag #NDPW2025
Resources
For more information on this year's themes and messages, and to download the logo, please see the below documents.
