Stay safe in the water this summer!

As we all do our best to keep our distance and stay cool this summer, many families are finding alternate places to swim — and they may not be safe. The Lifesaving Society has predicted that there will be an increase in the number of drownings this year, as people swim in unsupervised areas outside the protective watch of qualified lifeguards. Usually, our YMCA aquatics experts would be running educational water safety events in our pools right now, for National Drowning Prevention week. COVID-19 is forcing us to do things a little differently this year, so here's a reminder about just how important lifeguards are for safe swimming, and a few tips from the Lifesaving Society to help protect you and your family.

For many parents, the Y is the number one choice for introducing their toddlers to the water, and helping their pre-teens hone their swim skills in instructor-led, levelled classes. But few people realize the Y also trains the next generation of lifesavers. Thousands of candidates complete their National Lifeguard, CPR, Bronze Medallion, or Bronze Cross certifications with us.

These certifications look great on a young person’s resume, of course, but there’s more to it than that. Participants often have unique stories that piqued their interest in lifesaving.

For example, Yoojin now has her Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, SFA and National Lifeguard certifications, all because of a scary experience she had as a child.

“When I was younger, I almost drowned,” she says. “That made me want to raise awareness about safety around water, because I didn’t want anyone else to experience what I’d gone through.”

Today, with so many certifications under her belt, Yoojin says, “I am one step closer to becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor,” which she describes as a “dream job” to have part-time while she’s in school.

Tamar Connell, Senior Director of Programs at the West End YMCA, says these certifications are a crucial part of keeping Canadian waters safe:

“Swimming lessons and programs like our Junior Lifeguard Club are vital pieces in the puzzle to preventing drownings. Not only do they help people become strong swimmers; they teach youth how to be smart when around the water and make good choices."

And she couldn't agree more with Yoojin's take on working in aquatics. "These programs are building blocks for courses like Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard," Tamar says. "Together, these certifications qualify teens for great part-time jobs, where they get to make a difference and teach others about water safety.”

Hassan, an instructor and examiner who’s received every certification he has through the Y, explains, “we have a large and growing community that values lifesaving. The people earning these certifications aren’t only gaining job opportunities and life skills; they’re learning how to help others.”

So, before you dive in for a refreshing swim this summer, make sure you're being responsible. If supervision from a lifeguard isn't an option, here are a few tips from the Lifesaving Society:

• Always directly supervise children around the water. If they’re not within arms’ reach, they've gone too far. And if you're looking at your phone, you're not directly supervising!


• Be boat smart. Always wear a Lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when in a boat.


• Be especially vigilant if you or your children do not know how to swim. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety. If you don't feel confident that you could survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water, stay far from it.


• Use the buddy system. Never swim alone.

Check out the Lifesaving Society's website for more information on National Drowning Prevention week and water safety guidance.