YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford Supports National Drowning Prevention Week with Safer Together Message

Drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable death in children, and the YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford is joining the Lifesaving Society’s National Drowning Prevention Week (July 20–26, 2025) to raise awareness and promote safe behaviours around water. This year’s theme, Safer Together, emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility in preventing water-related tragedies.

Learning to swim is a critical life skill. Knowing how to swim can safe your life – or someone else’s.   

YMCA swim lessons are available for all ages and abilities. Weekly swim lessons are included in the cost of membership for children and youth, and financial assistance is available removing barriers so that all individuals and families can participate in YMCA programming. What’s great is that families may register for swim lessons at any time during a session making YMCA swim lessons convenient for families!   We also offer lots of open swim opportunities every day to practice your skills.

As a trusted leader in aquatics, the YMCA is encouraging families to take simple but critical steps to stay safe in and around water:

• Ensure the whole family learns to swim! Swimming is a life skill that saves lives.
• Supervise children closely - stay within arm’s reach at all times.
• Swim or boat with a buddy - never alone.
• Get trained in First Aid and CPR.
• Choose lifeguard-supervised swimming areas whenever possible.
• Wear a lifejacket when near, on, or in open water, and especially when boating.

“Water safety is a shared responsibility, and we all play a role in keeping our communities safe,” said Genevieve Hladysh, Vice President Health Fitness Aquatics and Residence. “Whether it’s supervising children, wearing a lifejacket, or learning to swim and getting certified in First Aid and CPR, these actions can make the difference between life and tragedy. YMCA swim lessons are available for all ages and abilities.  What’s great is that families may register for swim lessons at any time during a session making YMCA swim lessons convenient for families!  We also offer lots of open swim opportunities every day to practice your skills.”

The YMCA offers a full range of swim lessons and aquatic certifications for all ages and abilities, helping individuals build confidence, competence, and a lifelong respect for water. Learning to swim is a critical life skill. Knowing how to swim can safe your life – or someone else’s.   

To learn more about YMCA swim programs or to register for lessons and certifications, visit Swimming | YMCAHBB or contact your local YMCA branch.

Let’s stay Safer Together this summer.