Learn about water safety during National Drowning Prevention Week

During the hot summer months, there is no better way to cool off then by jumping into a refreshing pool for a dip. But while swimming is a fun activity, it comes with risks.

In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week from July 16 to July 22, the City of Vaughan is offering family swim lessons, lifeguard fitness challenges and a session on backyard pool safety tips at select pools. This is your chance to learn critical water safety skills that could save your life or others. Here are the programs available:

Family swim lessons

Swimming is a life-saving skill, so why not learn it together as a family? Sign up for introductory survival swim instruction. Your instructor will assess what swim level each family member should register in.

Dates and locations:

Thornhill Outdoor Pool
Wednesday, July 19 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Woodbridge Memorial Pool and Arena
Saturday, July 22 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

You can register online at vaughan.perfectmind.com. The registration fee is $10 per person. Individual registration is required for each family member and includes access to recreational swim following each lesson. Regular admission guidelines apply for swim participants nine years and under.

Lifeguard fitness challenge

Do you have what it takes to be a lifeguard? During recreational swims at Dufferin Clark and Vellore Village Community Centre pools, test your personal physical fitness by trying the ‘must-see skills’ you would need to complete during lifeguard training (Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard courses).

Swim 400 metres at your fastest pace, carry bricks and manikins, and see if you can rescue a drowning swimmer who is just out of reach. After your challenge, relax with a recreational swim.

Dates and locations: 

Dufferin Clark Community Centre
Tuesday, July 18 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Vellore Village Community Centre

Monday, July 17 from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Pre-registration is not required; however, regular recreational swim admission guidelines and fees apply. For details, visit vaughan.ca/swim.

Backyard pool safety tips

On Thursday, July 20, from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Deck Supervisor at the Thornhill Outdoor Pool will lead a free backyard pool safety session. Topics include pool safety features, equipment, resources and supervision, as well as a lifejacket fitting demonstration.

The session will include a real-life simulation, where you will learn how to use pool equipment to aid a struggling swimmer without putting yourself at risk. Pre-registration is not required. Residents are asked to meet the Deck Supervisor at the customer service desk prior to the start of the session for entry onto the pool deck. A bathing suit is not required, but deck shoes/flip-flops are strongly recommended.

Swim lessons

‘Seas’ the day! Dip your toes into a summer swim lesson at Vaughan community centre pools. Learn life-saving skills and build confidence in the water with lessons for all ages, from tots four-months old to adults.

For details and direct links to register, visit vaughan.ca/swim.

In-water hiring events

Swim instructors and lifeguards are important jobs, and the City is hiring! In-water interviews will take place at Woodbridge Pool and Memorial Arena and Dufferin Clark Community Centre this month. Candidates 15 years old and older with a National Lifeguard and/or Lifesaving and Swim Instructor certification are invited to register for an upcoming in-water interview:

Dates and locations:

Dufferin Clark Community Centre
Thursday, Aug. 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Woodbridge Pool and Memorial Arena
Thursday, July 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Successful candidates will be offered a job at a Vaughan pool. For details, visit vaughan.ca/RecJobs.

Looking for more info? Water safety video demonstrations, filmed by the aquatic team, will also be shared throughout the week on @recvaughan Instagram and Vaughan Recreation Facebook channels. 

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