Drowning Prevention - Water Smart

Join us for free swims and learn to stay safe around water

Drowning Prevention Week takes place during the third week in July and focuses on building awareness around water safety. In Caledon, we mark the week with free drop‑in swims, community information booths, and resources to help residents stay safe in and around water all year long.

Quick links
Places to swim  Free swimming drop-ins  Community Information Booths  Learn the Water Smart basics  Programs and resources

 

Participate in FREE drop-in activities

Join us for select free public swim drop-ins at pools across Caledon during Drowning Prevention Week—a perfect opportunity to cool off, have fun, and stay active with family and friends.

DateTimeLocation
Sunday, July 19, 2026 3:00 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.  Caledon East Community Complex
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.  Southfields Community Centre

Saturday, July 25, 2026

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness
Explore drop-in swim schedule  Admission standards for pool entry

Activities, schedules, and availability are subject to change. Participants are encouraged to check the Drop‑In Schedule for the most up‑to‑date information.

 

Become a Community Water Safety Officer

Visit a Community Information Booth to learn about water safety, become an Honorary Community Water Safety Officer, and enjoy free giveaways, resources, and a children’s colouring contest with our Aquatics team.

DateTimeLocation
Sunday, July 19, 2026 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Caledon East Community Complex
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.  Southfields Community Centre

Saturday, July 25, 2026

(World Drowning Prevention Day)

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Caledon East Community Complex
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Southfields Community Centre
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness

 

Learn the Water Smart basics

Drowning is preventable. By following Water Smart behaviours every time you’re near water, you help keep our community safe. Simple actions can make a life-saving difference:

🤝 Stay within arm’s reach of inexperienced swimmers for quick help and safety.

🦺 Wear a lifejacket whenever you are on or near the water to stay safe, even if you are a strong swimmer.

🏊 Learn to swim to build confidence, develop essential water safety skills, and reduce the risk of drowning.

🛟 Swim where lifeguards are so trained professionals can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

👶 Supervise children at all times around water, staying attentive and avoiding distractions.

 

Programs and resources

Our aquatic programs are designed to cater to all ages and skill levels, offering a wide range of opportunities for recreation, fitness, and skill development in the water. Whether you're looking for structured lessons or simply want to enjoy a casual swim, we have something for everyone.

Learn more about swimming  Explore drop-in schedules

Learn to swim

Our swimming lessons cater to all ages and skill levels, with a variety of options designed to promote water safety, skill development, and fitness. We offer group lessons, semi-low-ratio lessons, and private lessons tailored to personal goals. Whether you're introducing your child to the water for the first time or looking to refine your own swimming technique, we have the right programs for you.

Explore swimming lessons

Become a leader

Ready to take the next step in your aquatic journey? We offer a wide range of leadership courses for individuals aiming to develop advanced aquatic skills, including becoming certified lifeguards, instructors, and supervisors. These courses are designed to prepare candidates for various roles within the aquatic environment, with a focus on safety, rescue techniques, and leadership.

New Offer: We’re offering low-cost aquatic leadership courses, providing an affordable way for future swim instructors and lifeguards to obtain their certifications. 

Explore leadership courses

Practice safely

Enjoy a public swim, participate in a parent and child swim, or challenge yourself in Aquafit or a fitness swim. Drop-in activities provide flexibility for those who want to stay active without committing to scheduled classes. Simply check the schedule, drop by, and dive in!

Explore drop-in swim schedule  Admission standards for pool entry

 

About Drowning Prevention Week in Caledon

The Lifesaving Society designates the third week in July as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention. In Caledon, Drowning Prevention Week is formally recognized through a Mayoral Declaration, reinforcing our commitment to promoting Water Smart® behaviours and helping residents stay safe in and around water.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, which falls during NDPW. This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer lifesaving solutions to prevent it.