Have a safe summer on, in, and around the water

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

National Drowning Prevention Week, from July 19 - 25, is an opportunity to share a message that can save lives.

The theme for this year is "Prepare to be Water Smart" and the goal is to reduce the number of tragic water fatalities across the country. The peak summer months are upon us, and The Lifesaving Society is indicating that education, proper use of PFDs, building swimming skills, and making responsible choices when spending time near, in, or on the water can make a difference. The Town of Tillsonburg is offering programs throughout the week to provide essential skills and education to keep your family safe this summer.

“Our Aquatics Supervisor Melanie Corbett and her team have put together a week full of interactive activities,” said Julie Dawley, Recreation Programs & Services Manager. “Each day engages families while reinforcing important water safety messages. The activities will also include a themed take-home handout that participants can use to continue learning at home. It is our hope that the activities will provide opportunities for meaningful conversations with patrons and help reinforce important drowning prevention messages in an engaging way.”

National Drowning Prevention Week 2026 – Prepare!

Monday, July 20 – Lifejackets

Participants will learn the importance of wearing a properly fitted lifejacket by finding one that fits them correctly, and challenging themselves to put it on in 10 seconds or less. Staff will be available to demonstrate proper fitting techniques and explain when lifejackets should be worn. A lifejacket safety handout will be available for families to take home.

Tuesday, July 21 – Sun Safety

Children will dress a manikin with all of the items needed to stay safe in the sun, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a shirt. This hands-on activity will encourage conversations about protecting yourself from UV rays while spending time at the pool or beach. Families will receive a sun safety handout with additional tips.

Wednesday, July 22 – First Aid Kits

Participants will learn what essential items belong in a basic first aid kit, and why each item is important. They will then have the opportunity to pack a sample first aid kit themselves, reinforcing preparedness for water-related and everyday emergencies. A first aid kit checklist will be provided as a take-home resource.

Thursday, July 23 – Buddy the Lifeguard Dog Day

Families can stop by to meet Buddy and have their picture taken. This activity provides a fun opportunity to engage children while staff promote key water safety messages, including active supervision and backyard pool safety. Participants will receive a backyard pool safety handout.

Friday, July 24 – Colouring Contest

Participants can complete a water safety-themed colouring page throughout the day. The Water Smart Contest is a water safety colouring and creative contest for children and youth in three age groups: 5 and under, 6–10, and 11–15. A winner in the under-five category will be selected, and awarded locally. For the 6–10 and 11–15 categories, we will select a local winner, and those winning entries are submitted to the Lifesaving Society's Provincial Colouring Contest. One winner will be chosen for each category and receive a Water Smart prize pack.