Swimming and Water Safety

No matter how careful, emergencies on the ice can still happen. Here is what to do if you fall through the ice, or you need to help someone fall through the ice. 

Digital volunteer Farah Ng's and her family were quick to embrace Canada's winter weather when relatives arrived from Hong Kong - in this blog she shares some ways to enjoy fun on the ice while staying safe.

At the Red Cross, we have been teaching swimming and water safety in Canada since 1946. We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe when they are on, in, or near the water. We also provide the training and skills for a fun and rewarding job – lifeguarding!

​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.

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.

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.

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.

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.