Calgary’s future is in your hands! The 2025 Mayoral Election Debate brings together top candidates to debate the most pressing issues facing our city.
Knowledge saves lives
Yagazie’s story reminds us that knowledge is the first lifeguard. Every resource here exists because prevention is possible — and because two families refused to let silence be the only answer.
Water safety education
Yagazie’s story reminds us that knowledge is the first lifeguard. Share these with your community.
A free, shareable PDF covering all six safety rules — designed for schools, community centres, and HOAs.
Always swim with a buddy
Never swim alone — even in familiar water. A buddy can respond within seconds if something goes wrong. Most drowning incidents happen when people are alone or out of sight of others.
Wear your lifejacket
A properly fitted lifejacket or PFD is the single most effective drowning prevention tool. Wear it whenever on or near open water — not just when required. It only works when it’s on.
Know before you go
Research water conditions before entering. Understand current speed, depth, and temperature. Cold water shock can incapacitate a strong swimmer in seconds. If in doubt, stay out.
Respect closing times
Many lakes and swimming areas have enforced hours for good reason — visibility drops and rescue response slows after dark. Never swim at an unsupervised site after posted closing hours.
Learn CPR — it saves lives
Bystander CPR can double or triple a drowning victim’s chance of survival. The Calgary Red Cross and City of Calgary offer free or low-cost CPR training. Get certified this summer.
Supervise actively
Active supervision means eyes on the water at all times — no phones, no distractions. Appoint a dedicated water watcher at every group swim. Designate, don’t assume someone is watching.
Know your limits
Open water is unpredictable. Currents, weeds, and cold temperatures make even calm-looking lakes dangerous. Swim within your ability and never overestimate your endurance.
Teach children early
Formal swimming lessons from age 4 can reduce a child’s drowning risk by up to 88%. Enrol your child in water safety education — and make sure they understand that water can be dangerous, not just fun.
Everything you need to protect your family, petition your HOA, and educate your community , all free to download and share.
Calgary’s future is in your hands! The 2025 Mayoral Election Debate brings together top candidates to debate the most pressing issues facing our city.
Summary of community feedback and recommended actions following the MHOA safety meeting.
We don’t stand alone. These organisations share our commitment to keeping Canadians safe on and around the water.
Lifesaving Society Alberta
Canada’s leading drowning prevention organisation. Find swim lessons, lifeguard training, and water safety programs across Alberta.
Canadian Red Cross
Free and low-cost CPR certification, first aid training, and water safety workshops available through Calgary chapters.
City of Calgary — Parks & Recreation
Subsidised swim lessons, public pool schedules, and the Lake Safety Program. Find locations near you.
Swim Drink Fish Canada
Real-time water quality and safety data for Calgary lakes and swimming holes. Check before you swim.
Alberta Health Services — Injury Prevention
Provincial drowning statistics, research briefs, and community prevention toolkits for healthcare and education workers.
Royal Life Saving Society Canada
Training programs for water watchers, babysitters, and lifeguards. Run the ‘Swim to Survive’ standard in Calgary schools.
The HOA letter template, policy brief, and petition are your most powerful tools. Send the letter to your board. Share the brief with your councillor. Add your signature to the petition. Together, we close the gaps that took Yagazie and Caelan.
Collaborate on the movement to mandate lifeguards at all recreational water sites.
Add your voice to the growing call for mandatory water safety reforms.
Your support funds awareness campaigns and youth training initiatives.
Every statistic below is a reason why Swim Safe YYC exists and proof that education and policy change save lives.
Drowning Risk Reduction
With formal swim lessons from age 4
Survival Rate Increase
With immediate bystander CPR
Of Drownings Are Preventable
With basic water safety knowledge
Canadians Can’t
Swim
Highlighting the urgent need for lessons
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