MISSISSAUGA – As temperatures rise and outdoor fun shifts to pools, splash pads, and beaches, the City of Mississauga is launching a renewed water safety awareness push aimed at helping residents enjoy aquatic activities responsibly this summer.
From free swimming programs and life jacket lending libraries to safety workshops and National Drowning Prevention Week events, the city is equipping families with the tools they need to prevent water-related injuries and fatalities.
Learn to Swim – Programs for All Ages and Backgrounds
The City is encouraging residents to take part in its many swim education initiatives. Thousands of students benefit annually from the Swim to Survive and Swim to Survive Plus programs, run in partnership with the Lifesaving Society. These nationally recognized courses teach essential survival skills to those who may not have had formal lessons.
Newcomers to Canada or to Mississauga can register for Swim to Survive for Newcomers, a free program designed to remove financial and accessibility barriers for individuals new to aquatic environments.
Life Jacket Lending Expands Across the City
Mississauga’s Life Jacket Lending Program—a pilot project that has now expanded—is available at select library branches and community centres, including Clarkson, Erin Meadows, Meadowvale, and Frank McKechnie. Residents can borrow up to five life jackets for one week by presenting valid ID and a library card. All jackets are cleaned and inspected for safety upon return. Sizes range from Infant to Adult XXL.
City officials remind residents that life jackets are crucial when boating or swimming in natural bodies of water, where currents, debris, or fatigue can put even strong swimmers at risk.
Water Safety Tips for Every Situation
Whether you’re enjoying a spray pad, boating on the lake, or cooling off in a community pool, the City offers these key safety reminders:
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Supervise children closely, especially those under 12, who are at higher risk of drowning.
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Wear properly fitted life jackets near lakes, rivers, or on boats.
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Avoid alcohol and drugs when swimming or supervising others around water.
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Swim in designated areas only, and never dive into unfamiliar waters.
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Use caution around unsupervised bodies of water, such as rivers and ponds in parks, which may conceal hidden hazards like sharp objects, debris, or strong currents.
Spray pads are a safe and fun alternative for families with young children, but children should always be supervised. The city also reminds users to follow posted safety rules.
National Drowning Prevention Week: July 20–26
The City of Mississauga will also host a Water Safety Awareness Day at Celebration Square in July, as part of its participation in National Drowning Prevention Week. Activities and educational events will be held at city pools throughout the week to raise awareness.
For more information about water safety programming, swim lessons, or where to find splash pads and life jacket lending locations, visit: mississauga.ca/swimming.
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