Swimming and Water Safety 5

Read blog posts from the Canadian Red Cross about our Swimming and Water Safety programs

Latest Posts

Sharing water emergencies training with Caribbean societies

​In a country surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the Cuban Red Cross understands the importance of being prepared for water emergencies, especially as a first responder. Through the CERA (Capacity Building for Emergency Response) Initiative, a Cuban Red Cross expert in water rescue has led trainings for two sister island nations: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

​Water world: making swimming safe for everyone

Canadian Red Cross volunteer Leslie White has spent most of her life ensuring the safety of those around water. Now as a City of St. John’s, Facilities Supervisor with the Department of Community Services in Newfoundland, her team oversees four aquatic centres, recreation facilities and more than 100 staff, while she volunteers with the Red Cross in multiple capacities.

Why I insist my son learn how to swim

Becoming a mom has led me to reflect on my own childhood, my relationship with water and my experiences learning to swim. Now I’m seeing my own 3-year-old son fearlessly jumping in the water, learning to swim and loving the beach as much as I did.

Can you pass this water safety quiz?

With summer's hot weather driving Canadians in droves to water activities, take a moment to ensure you have the proper knowledge for safe water play with this quiz.

Getting comfortable in the water before walking

Even when kids wear flotation devices and water wings, the water can quickly become a source of stress for parents. That’s why the Red Cross strongly recommends signing kids up for swimming lessons when they are just months old.

Before jetting off to feel the sand between your toes

After the bitterly cold weeks and multiple storms we have had this year, many of you will be heading for sunnier climes in the coming weeks. Before you stretch out on a lounge chair to catch some rays, here are a few tips for a safer trip.

Ice safety: If you go on the ice, prepare to go through it

Knowledge, equipment, and skill. Those are the three things that can help you stay safe on the ice and survive if you fall through it. That’s according to Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, who operates the Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at the University of Manitoba and was the keynote speaker at the 8th Annual Red Cross Alberta Water Safety Conference in Calgary.

Recognizing three outstanding water safety volunteers with Order of Red Cross

This week, at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Vancouver, three outstanding water safety volunteers were inducted as members of the Order of Red Cross - our society's highest honour - in recognition for their years of dedication.
In appreciation of their ongoing commitment to the community, we are pleased to welcome Anne Porteous, Wayne Little and Janice Makepeace to the Order of the Red Cross!

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The purpose of this blog, quite simply, is to talk. This blog is an opportunity for Red Cross staff, volunteers, supporters and friends to share stories about what is happening in your community and the important work you are doing. It is a tool that will help keep all of us connected.

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