Prioritize Water Safety for National Drowning Prevention Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 20, 2026 3:15 p.m.
(Ottawa) – In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding residents and visitors to make water safety a top priority when heading to local beaches, pools, rivers, and waterways this summer.
Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds, and a few simple precautions can mean the difference between a great summer memory and a tragedy. The OPS encourages everyone to understand their environment, look out for one another, and follow these essential water safety rules:
1. Stay Sober
Alcohol, cannabis, and water do not mix. Being impaired drastically affects your balance, coordination, and judgment in the water. Furthermore, operating a boat or vessel while under the influence carries the same strict legal penalties as impaired driving on the road. Stay sober whenever you are on or near the water.
2. Stay Alert
In real life, drowning does not look like it does in the movies. There is rarely splashing, waving, or shouting for help; a person fighting for air is physically unable to scream.
- The Arm’s Reach Rule: When children are in or near the water, an adult must stay close enough to physically touch them at any moment. Flotation toys are never a substitute for active adult supervision.
- Stay Alert: Put away the phone, ignore distractions, and keep your eyes on the water.
3. Know the Hazards
Swimming in lakes and rivers is vastly different from swimming in a pool. Local waterways contain hidden dangers that cannot be seen from the surface, including powerful undercurrents, underwater debris, and sudden drop-offs where the ground completely disappears beneath your feet. Always scout the area first, stay in designated swimming zones, and never swim alone.
4. Wear a Life Jacket
Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. If you are visiting a local supervised beach and do not have one, utilize the City of Ottawa’s Life Jacket Loaner Program to borrow a life jacket for the day at no cost.
Emergency Preparedness
If your boat, kayak, or paddleboard capsizes:
- Check for injuries and ensure everyone is accounted for.
- Stay with the vessel whenever possible to remain visible to rescuers.
- Keep as much of your body out of the water as possible to prevent hypothermia.
- Huddle together if you are in a group, stay calm, and signal for help.
“Many waterways in and around Ottawa can change quickly and present hidden dangers, even for experienced swimmers,” said Constable Tommy Jellinek of the Marine, Dive and Trails Unit. “Stubborn currents do not care how well you can normally swim. By staying sober, keeping non-swimmers in life jackets, and practicing active supervision, we can ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.”
For more water safety information, visit Ottawa Public Health’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention page.
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CONTACT:
Ottawa Police Service Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366
