Water Safety

Water Safety

On average, there are 164 deaths from drowning each year in Ontario. There are also approximately 100 non-fatal hospitalizations and 568 emergency department visits due to non-fatal drowning each year.

The Lifesaving Society prepares an annual drowning report to provide Ontarians with the most recent data and trends in water-related fatalities.

Download The Report

 

The health unit does beach water sampling to test for bacteria levels. For more information on recreational water and beach water sampling visit: Recreational Water (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and a Lifejacket? … and what about Puddle Jumpers?

  • A lifejacket will turn a person over from face-down to face-up, even if they are unconscious
    • Lifejackets are more buoyant than PFDs and are the best choice for weak swimmers
  • A personal floatation device (PFD) will keep a person floating, but not necessarily face-up
    • A PFD is generally less bulky and more comfortable than a lifejacket, allowing for greater movement
  • Unlike lifejackets and PFDs, puddle jumpers are not approved by Transport Canada and are not suitable for boating use

Look for a lifejacket or PFD with a label that says the device has been approved by any of the organizations below:

  • Transport Canada
  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada

5 Tips for your next beach/lake visit

  1. Wear sunscreen, and reapply as required (follow manufacturers instructions)
  2. Bring drinking water & sunglasses
  3. Swim Smart - swim with a buddy, be aware of the water depth, waves/currents and temperature
  4. Actively supervise children
  5. Bring your lifejacket/PFD

For more beach safety tips go to The Canadian Red Cross.

Training

Consider taking CPR, First Aid, swimming lessons or a Swim to Survive program before your next trip

 

Winter Water Safety

Whether you are planning to snowshoe, cross-country ski, skate, snowmobile or fish on the ice here are some tips to stay safe: 

More Winter Water Safety Information

 

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