Alberta RCMP gives water safety tips for National Drowning Prevention Week

July 20, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Led by the Lifesaving Society of Canada, National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) takes place from July 19 to 25, 2026, coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25. This year’s NDPW theme is “Safety starts with being Water Smart.” 

According to the Lifesaving Society, over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Prepare to be Water Smart with the below safety tips: 

• Wear a lifejacket. Wear a lifejacket while boating, doing water sports, and if you can’t swim. 
• Supervise children and non-swimmers. Keep children and non-swimmers within arms’ reach when in and around bodies of water.
• Stay sober around water. Never operate a boat, or go swimming, when tired or impaired. 
• Be aware. Be mindful of water conditions, such as strong currents. Rivers can have risks like moving water, undercurrents, changing depth, and entrapment hazards. 
• Never go alone. Do not operate a boat or go swimming alone, and don’t overestimate your swimming abilities. Always have a spotter in the boat when towing someone during water sports. 
• Learn to swim. Many drownings occur when a person unexpectedly falls into a body of water. 
• Protect your neck. Never dive into shallow water. If you’re unsure of the water’s depth, enter feet first. 
• Consider high visibility swimwear. Bright, high-contrast colours can be more easily seen in the water. 

For more Water Smart Education, visit lifesaving.org/public-education, and follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta, X @RCMPAlberta, and on YouTube @RCMP-GRC Alberta.

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