Running from July 19 to 25. This year's theme, "Prepare to be Water Smart," encourages people to plan ahead, build water safety skills, and make smart decisions before heading to the pool, beach, or lake.
For Melanie Corbett, Aquatics Supervisor with the Town of Tillsonburg, drowning prevention is part of everyday life. A lifeguard since 2011 and with the town since 2018, she says the best way to prevent tragedy is to stay proactive rather than reactive.
Corbett says drowning is often called a silent killer, because it can happen quickly and without obvious signs of distress. She encourages families to choose lifeguard-supervised swimming areas whenever possible, keep children within arm's reach, swim with a buddy, wear properly fitted lifejackets, and talk through water safety plans before heading out.
National Drowning Prevention Week serves as a reminder that staying safe around water begins long before anyone enters it.
