BRAMPTON – The City of Brampton recognizes National Drowning Prevention Week from July 16 to 22. To keep safe this summer season and year-round, the City encourages residents to review water safety tips and resources.
The City also offers swimming lessons for people of all ages, free swim assessments, opportunities to become a lifeguard or swim instructor, and many additional resources to promote water education and safety.
Remember:
• Drowning is preventable. Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
• Watch me, not your phone. Always actively supervise children around the water – distractions are deadly.
• Be boat smart – wear a lifejacket. Choose It. Use It. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
• Learn to swim. Swimming is a lifesaving skill. Lessons are available for all ages, including adults.
• Swim with a buddy. Take a buddy and look out for each other. It’s what friends do.
• Know your limits. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
• Lock the gate. If you have a pool in your backyard, ensure the gate is closed and kept locked at all times.
• Stormwater ponds are large bodies of water that collect and hold water runoff and snowmelt from nearby homes, roads, driveways, parking lots. These bodies of water are unsafe for any recreational activities like swimming or skating. Remember to stay on designated trails when walking near the pond.
• Be water smart all year round. You can save a life.
Learn more at www.brampton.ca/drowningprevention.
Pool Fence Permits
The City of Brampton requires you to enclose a pool, spa, hot tub, or any artificial body of water outdoors on your property in which the depth of the water at any point can exceed 0.6 metres (2’). The City of Brampton requires and regulates pool enclosures to ensure that the pool area is securely enclosed, so as to protect the public from easily accessing bodies of water on private property. You must get a permit to build a fence to enclose the body of water. Learn more here: City of Brampton | Enforcement and By-law Services | Pools, Hot Tubs and Fences
“Throughout the summer season and year-round, it is so important that we all educate ourselves and our loved ones on how to be safe near bodies of water like pools, lakes, ponds and more. This year, as we recognize National Drowning Prevention Week, I encourage all residents to review the City’s water safety tips. Drowning is preventable – learn to swim, wear a lifejacket, pay attention, and know your limits.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton
“Throughout the year, the City of Brampton offers quality swimming lessons that help participants develop water safety skills that last a lifetime. This National Drowning Prevention Week, consider exploring the programming the City has available or access our water safety tips that includes information like how to properly fit a lifejacket. We all play a role in being water safe, Brampton!” – Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton