National Drowning Prevention Week: July 19 to July 25

The City, in collaboration with Lifesaving Society Canada, recognizes July 19 to July 25 as National Drowning Prevention Week. Community members are encouraged to prioritize water safety and educate themselves and their families about the potential risks.

Free activities during National Drowning Prevention Week

The City will host a variety of free activities during National Drowning Prevention Week to promote water safety, weather permitting. Activities include:

• A backyard pool safety information session at Camp Samac Outdoor Pool
• Free 'Swim to Survive' demonstrations at various City pools: Learn how to survive an unexpected fall into deep water by rolling onto your back and treading water
• Water safety information sessions at Lakeview Park Beach

Please note: standard admission fees apply for City recreation facilities and pools. For event information, including dates, times and admission fees, visit Oshawa.ca/NDPW.

Lifejacket Loaner Program at Lakeview Park Beach

The City of Oshawa, in partnership with the Hamilton-Ontario Port Authority (HOPA), offers a Lifejacket Loaner Program at Lakeview Park Beach at no cost. Lifejackets are available to beachgoers from June 22 to September 7.

Beach safety guidelines:

• Check for beach closure at Durham.ca/beaches before visiting
• Swim only in designated areas
• Always swim while under supervision
• Swim with a buddy

For more information about Lakeview Park Beach and the Lifejacket Loaner Program, visit oshawa.ca/Beach.

Becoming a Water Smart community

Most drownings are preventable in a Water Smart community. Educate yourself and others about water safety to enjoy water activities responsibly.

• Supervise children around water at all times
• Avoid consuming alcohol while participating in aquatic activities
• Always wear a lifejacket while boating

For more information on Drowning Prevention: the Water Smart® Campaign, visit the Lifesaving Society's website at lifesavingsociety.com.

Backyard pool enclosure reminders

Drowning prevention starts at home. Property owners with backyard pools, hot tubs or decorative ponds are reminded to ensure their enclosures comply with the City's Pool Enclosure By-law, which helps reduce the risk of preventable water-related incidents by limiting unsupervised access to water.

Under the City's Pool Enclosure By-law:

• Pools, hot tubs and decorative ponds with a depth of 30 cm (12 in) to 60 cm (24 in) must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 120 cm (48 in) high.
• Pools, hot tubs and decorative ponds with a depth of more than 60 cm (24 in) require a Pool Enclosure Permit and must meet specific enclosure standards, including minimum fence height and appropriate latching and closing devices.

Property owners should ensure they obtain the necessary permit and meet all by-law requirements before installing or replacing their pool enclosure

For more information about the City's Pool Enclosure By-law and permit process, visit oshawa.ca/PoolEnclosures.