Turning tragedy into purpose
What began as grief has grown into action, a collective effort to prevent future tragedies through education, advocacy, and compassion. The Swim Safe YYC Initiative, was created to honour the lives of Yagazie Ike-Peters and Caelan Escalante, two beloved friends whose tragic drowning in Calgary inspired a mission to make water safety awareness a community priority.
What we are fighting for
- Lifeguards or trained patrol during busy times
- Mandatory lifejackets for children and all boating
- Rescue rings, AEDs, and clear safety signage at every lake
- Lake depth clearly marked
- Strong city bylaws to hold HOAs accountable
Our core values
These are the values we stand for:
Compassion
We act with empathy and care, remembering that every life matters.
Education
We believe awareness and knowledge are the most powerful tools for prevention.
Community
We work hand-in-hand with families, schools, and organizations to build safer environments.
Action
We turn awareness into tangible change through programs and advocacy.
Legacy
We honour Yagazie and Caelan by carrying their light into every effort we make.
The inspiration behind the initiative
On August 27th, 2025, childhood friends Yagazie Ike-Peters and Caelan Escalante, both 20 years old, went swimming at Mahogany Lake in Calgary on an unseasonably hot day. What should have been a moment of fun turned tragic when both drowned in the deep, cold waters near the dock. Their bodies were recovered later that day, in a place where the water depth ranged between three and four metres.
Caelan was known for his warmth, optimism, and ability to make people feel seen and valued. Yagazie was full of life, love, and joy — always radiating energy and compassion to everyone around him. Their passing devastated families, friends, and the wider Calgary community, leaving behind grief but also a powerful question:
How could this have been prevented?
This tragedy became a turning point — the moment their loved ones decided that awareness, education, and safety could no longer be optional. Their story gave birth to a mission that ensures no other family suffers the same loss.
