Mississauga residents can learn practical ways to stay safer around water at a free event at Celebration Square on Wednesday, July 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The City’s Aquatics team and community partners will host Water Safety Awareness Day at 300 City Centre Dr., according to a City of Mississauga news release. The annual event is open to residents of all ages and will include hands-on learning, expert demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
The event comes as residents spend more time at pools, spray pads, lakes and other waterways during the summer. Its focus is on helping people identify common risks and learn steps that can prevent drowning before they enter the water.
Learning safer habits around water
Residents will have opportunities to meet City staff and community partners, get expert advice and learn about community resources. The City says the activities are intended to build confidence around water while teaching important safety skills.
The safety issues highlighted in the City’s announcement include recognizing hazards, supervising children, wearing life jackets properly and knowing how to respond in an emergency. Those skills are relevant to families visiting swimming pools as well as people heading to lakes, rivers and beaches.
The City stresses that preparation begins before anyone gets into the water. Water Safety Awareness Day is part of its ongoing drowning-prevention and community-education work, encouraging safer habits both in and around water.
Event falls during drowning-prevention week
The July 22 gathering takes place during National Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from July 19 to 25.
The City’s release cites the Drowning Prevention Research Centre as reporting that 66 per cent of drowning deaths occur between May and September, with July recording the highest number.
Drowning remains a leading cause of preventable injury-related death in Canada, according to the City. It says the concentration of incidents in the summer makes education and preparedness important for families taking part in water activities.
Beyond the July 22 event, residents can find information about swimming lessons, aquatics programs, free swims and other water safety resources at mississauga.ca/swimming.
