Swimming and Water Safety 8

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

Latest Posts

How to keep kids safe around water without instilling fear

My happiest childhood memories are of times spent at the family cottage, floating on an inner tube, lounging in a lakeside hammock, and learning how to paddle a canoe. I grew up loving water and feeling safe and confident around water. That’s because my parents did a great job of balancing out two important messages. They taught me that being around water can be incredibly fun, but that you have to be alert to the dangers at the same time.

First aid training in action - while on vacation

My family recently found ourselves on a Caribbean island where we were having a wonderful vacation. My husband and I have always loved the water and once upon a time were both lifeguards in Canada (let's just call us 'retired'). With two young children, we respect the ocean and are always looking for opportunities to talk over safety in the water, taking the opportunity in this case to explore ocean currents and what they mean when we're thinking about cooling off in the ocean.

Welcoming refugees with swimming lessons

As an aquatics professional, Janet has watched the Syrian refugee crisis with a unique perspective – and that perspective has lead her to create a free swimming program for Syrian refugee children. 

Stay safe while vacationing with these sun safety tips

It is the time of year where we all dream of a warm escape from these cold climates. If you’re planning on making this a reality by vacationing south or going somewhere warmer from our Canadian winter, keep in mind these sun and water safety tips.

Emergencies on the ice

 Even when precautions are taken, emergencies can happen. Here’s what to do if you or someone else goes through ice. 

Is that ice safe?

Taking caution around ice is an important part of enjoying some great outdoor activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating and hockey. Learn to check for proper ice thickness with these tips. 

Top three photos in #SummerSillies photo contest

All of the entries in the Red Cross #SummerSillies photo contest made us smile - what a great way to demonstrate safe summer fun at the beach, boat or pool. Three winners were chosen by a panel of Red Cross employees, with one Grand Prize winner receiving a $50 iTunes gift card, while two secondary winners won $25 iTunes gift cards.

How do you sport it?

​The best way to enjoy summer is to get out on the water and play. The equipment needed varies by sport, but there is one thing that can be used across the board – a lifejacket. How do you sport it?

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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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