An abundance of lakes, bays, and rivers, along with plenty of beaches and publicly accessible shorelines, makes Grey-Bruce a popular location for swimming, boating, rafting, canoeing, and fishing.

The area is also home to countless backyard pools and multiple public swimming facilities.

With all of this access to water and water-related activities, it’s particularly important for people to be aware of drowning risks and how to stay safe in and around the water.

“Being in and around the water can have many physical, mental, and social benefits. However, it’s critical to always exercise caution, play safe, remain sober, swim and boat with a buddy, and know your swimming limits to avoid potential water-related injuries and death,” says Jason Weppler, Manager of Grey Bruce Public Health’s Health Promotion Program.

“Each year, about 160 people drown in Ontario, making it one of the leading causes of accidental death in the province. The good news is that nearly all drowning deaths are preventable with proper water safety knowledge and common sense.”

Grey Bruce Public Health is utilizing social media to share tips for staying safe in and around the water during National Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from July 20 to 26, 2025, and World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2025.

To help reduce the risk of drowning, Grey-Bruce residents and visitors are encouraged to:

• Learn to swim and always swim with a buddy.
• Ensure children are under the direct supervision of an adult when around water. Children under five should always be within arms’ reach of an adult when swimming or playing in the water.
• Swim in lifeguarded areas, when possible.
• Know their limits - age and health can affect swimming abilities.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol and using cannabis when participating in aquatic activities, like swimming and boating.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when out on a boat.