In 2001, the Lifesaving Society launched the Swim to Survive program to teach Canadians the minimum skills they would need to survive a fall into deep water. These skills defined in the Swim to Survive Standard are: roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 metres.

Swim to Survive+ builds on these skills by teaching participants how to roll, tread and swim with clothes on and how to safely help a friend in deep water, as well as some basic physical fitness concepts through swimming.

Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada, and while Swim to Survive does not replace swimming lessons, it is a great introduction to water safety and the skills needed to survive.

Swim to Survive is commonly offered through schools. Through our school grant program, participating Grade 3 and Grade 7 students across Ontario get bussed to local pools to develop their skills and learn how to be safer around water.

By donating to this campaign, you’re supporting opportunities for communities and students to learn this valuable lifesaving skill for free.