Y offers swimming tips in drowning prevention week

It’s better to be safe than sorry when around water.

That’s the message the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is spreading this week as it offers free water safety resources for both new and comfortable swimmers at its four locations in Winnipeg.

“Drowning is so, so preventable. Swimming is a life skill,” said Finn McLandress, aquatics director at the downtown location at 301 Vaughan St.

“Taking swimming lessons is just as important as wearing a seatbelt when you’re driving.”

Swim instructors will be available during drop-in swim times to answer questions and help any adult or child who has basic swim skills. Displays at each location entrance will have pamphlets and kids colouring sheets that list tips on how to avoid drowning.

The extra resources are part of the Lifesaving Society’s national drowning prevention week, which runs until Saturday.

He said even a small amount of training, such as a person learning to float on their back, can make the difference between life and death. Because the Y has the facilities to offer swim education, McLandress believes it has a moral obligation to help the community.

He said many newcomers are seeking more information about water safety such as knowing when to swim, and how to properly wear a life-jacket.

Wendy Shewchuk, manager of the Vaughan Street location, said it’s a shared responsibility with the province, community and families to educate people about water safety. As more immigrants want to enjoy Manitoba’s lakes and cottage culture, they might not have the same knowledge or skills around water as others, she said.

“We all know that people want to be in the water, especially in the summer,” she said. “We can’t expect that one lifeguard is going to make all the difference.”

It’s easy for people to become complacent around water, Shewchuk said, and approach it as a place to have fun, without thinking about the risks. When people aren’t alert or educated, that’s when water becomes the most dangerous, she said.

Always being at arm’s length from anyone in or near water is key, she said.

“Taking swimming lessons is just as important as wearing a seatbelt when you’re driving.”–Finn McLandress

This summer, three people have drowned in Manitoba cottage country.

The non-profit offers family swimming lessons that have appealed to newcomers who want to learn along with their children. Demand for adult swim lessons has grown, she said.

In total, it taught 16,000 people how to swim in 2024-25, while 13,500 people were taught how to swim one year earlier.

“Water safety is something that everybody needs to take responsibility for,” she said. “If we can do it as a community, then we’re going to be stronger.”

The Y’s other locations are 454 Kimberly Ave., 5 Fermor Ave. and 3550 Portage Ave.

matthew.frank@freepress.mb.ca