Drowning Prevention Week in the City of Peterborough

Peterborough, ON – Residents and visitors are encouraged to learn more about how to make water safety a priority during National Drowning Prevention Week.  

National Drowning Prevention Week runs from Sunday, July 19 to Saturday, July 25. 

This year’s theme is Prepare to be Water Smart. The City of Peterborough is hosting events throughout the week to promote water safety and drowning prevention.  

Colouring pages and crossword puzzles will be available at the Chelsea Gardens wading pool, located at Southlawn Drive and Severn Road, on Sunday, July 19. Lifeguards will be holding “Within Arms Reach” drowning education activities for participants.   

Residents are welcome to visit Beavermead Beach from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 to get fitted for and receive a free lifejacket. Free lifejackets will be available while supplies last.   

Children of all ages are welcome to make their own water smart bracelets and learn about water safety from the City’s lifeguards at the John Taylor Memorial Park wading pool, located at McKellar and St. Catherine’s streets, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.  

All residents are welcome to join the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County OPP and other vendors at the Riverview Park and Zoo, 1300 Water St. from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 24 for an afternoon of activities and drowning prevention education.  

Pop-up activities are also taking place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Fleming College, Trent University and the Balsillie Family YMCA throughout the week.  

A full schedule of events, including times and locations, can be found at peterborough.ca/DPW2026.