Swim to Survive
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. This is what the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive campaign is all about. This drowning prevention program aims to reduce drowning by 50 percent within 10 years.
Why is the Lifesaving Society introducing Swim to Survive?
- We believe swimming is a life skill that all children need to learn. It’s no different than fire safety or street proofing.
- Our research shows that most drownings occur close to safety.
- After bicycling, swimming is the second most popular activity in Canada among school-age children between 5 and 12 years of age. The Lifesaving Society wants to make sure they each have the basic skills to survive.
- Swim skills are not innate – they need to be taught – and all children deserve the chance to learn.
- Swim to Survive is an important first step to being safe around water. If every child in Canada could pass our Swim to Survive standard, we would reduce the number of drownings by half.
What is the Swim to Survive Standard?
Swim to Survive defines the minimum swim skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water:
- ROLL in deep water
- TREAD water for 1 minute
- SWIM 50 metres
Who is Swim to Survive designed for?
- Swim to Survive is aimed primarily at children, but people of all ages should be able to perform our Swim to Survive standard.
- Swim to Survive is an ideal program for school groups, brownies, cubs, youth groups – anyone needing to improve lifesaving swimming skills!
Is it just a new standard for swimming lessons?
Not at all. Swim to Survive is different from swimming lessons. Swim to Survive teaches the basics needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.
The Society strongly encourages parents to enroll their children in swimming lessons. In fact, the Society’s Swim program includes the Swim to Survive standard.
Isn’t it better to be a strong swimmer?
Yes! Swim to Survive deals with the basics, it’s not a replacement for swimming lessons. Everyone should learn to swim!
How do people learn more?
Contact Michelle Rottier, Coordinator of Community Programs to arrange a Swim to Survive program for your group at the Moore Sports Complex, 519-867-2651.
