National Drowning Prevention Week

July 13, 2023

BELLEVILLE – The City of Belleville’s Community Services Department, along with the Quinte Region Drowning Prevention Coalition, will be promoting National Drowning Prevention Week, July 16-22, 2023, by hosting several special activities and events throughout the week.

Members of the media are invited to attend the first event on July 18 at the Kinsmen Outdoor Community Pool, located at 151 Dundas St., at 2:45 p.m. when city lifeguards will do demonstrations of water rescues, water safety messaging and the Swim to Survive Standard. Special guests of the Quinte Region Drowning Prevention Coalition will be present along with Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Senior Research Officer, of the Lifesaving Society Ontario branch.

Throughout the week from Monday to Friday, summer campers and members of the public will experience daily demonstrations and lessons on water safety messages such as: swimming in designated areas, wearing a lifejacket when boating, checking the weather and conditions, staying within arms reach/swimming with a buddy, and the importance of not diving in shallow or unknown waters. These will take place at the Kinsmen Outdoor Community Pool each day at 2:45 p.m. and at the Templeman Aquatic Centre at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre at 12:45 p.m.

Watch for water safety message booths on deck, at both pool locations, with colouring and activity sheets, along with water safety tip cards for parents.

To raise money for the Lifesaving Society’s Water Smart Public Education Campaign, donations will be accepted at both pool locations and freezies will be for sale all week at the Kinsmen Pool location. City Aquatic Staff will also be participating in a ‘Swim 500 metres for 500 lives’ fundraising event throughout the week and sponsorships are welcome and The Lifesaving Society issues tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.

The Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive Standard will be offered at all City hosted swims during this week at both pool locations. Lifeguards will be available to monitor anyone who wishes to challenge this standard (roll into deep water, tread for one-minute and swim 50 metres). If you are interested in participating, please register for a swim and speak to a pool staff.

Pre-registration is required for all swims and can be done online at Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (QSWC) website, by phone at 613-966-4632 or in-person at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (265 Cannifton Rd.). Visit Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (QSWC) website for the pool schedule and admissions policy.