The World Health Organization reports that drowning disproportionately impacts children and young people; with children under 5 years of age accounting for nearly 25% of all drowning deaths worldwide (Commonwealth Drowning Prevention, n.d.). Furthermore, the WHO states drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years and the third leading cause of death for children aged 5-14 years globally (n.d.).

In Saskatchewan, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for children aged 0-9, resulting in up to 30% of the injury-related deaths in this age group (Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, n.d.). As summer approaches, here are a few water safety tips to remember when spending time around our many rivers and lakes throughout Saskatchewan!

1. Always swim with a buddy.

2. Active adult supervision; remain within an arm’s reach of your child. Did you know that 25% of young children’s drowning fatalities occur when adult supervision is not consistent, or due to erroneous belief that water wings and PFDs prevent drowning? (CDC Drowning Prevention, 2026).

3. Immediately get out of the lake, river, or pool when you see lightning or hear thunder.

4. Pay close attention to the weather; be aware of strong winds and waves.

5. Be aware of hidden water hazards, such as sudden drop-offs, strong currents, murky water, and weeds that can entangle swimmers.

6. Be aware of water quality; check for public advisories on blue-green algae or high bacteria levels.

For additional water safety tips and information, check out the following websites:

For water safety tips:

https://www.lifesavingsociety.sk.ca/education/watersmart/water-smart-tips

To check Saskatchewan water quality and healthy beach programs: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/environmental-health/healthy-beach-program

To inspect and/or check your lifejacket or PFD fitting:

https://driveaboatcanada.ca/how-to-test-pfd/

CDC Drowning Prevention. (2026, January 27). Summer Swim Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/summer-swim-safety.html

Commonwealth Drowning Prevention. (n.d.) Global drowning issue. https://www.rlsscommonwealth.org/drowning-prevention/global-drowning-issue/

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. (n.d.). Drowning. https://skprevention.ca/safety/drowning/