Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion Marks National Drowning Prevention Week
As part of National Drowning Prevention Week, taking place from July 19 to 25, the Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion is encouraging residents to adopt safe behaviours around water by offering a variety of awareness activities for children and families. In collaboration with the Société de sauvetage, several initiatives will take place at municipal pools, parks and the Library to highlight the importance of drowning prevention.
“Every drowning is preventable. By offering educational and accessible activities throughout the city, we hope to raise awareness among families about the importance of active supervision of children and the essential safety habits to adopt around water. Together, we can help make aquatic activities safer for everyone,” said Paul Dumoulin, Mayor of Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Throughout the week, lifeguards will lead fun and interactive activities designed to teach young participants about water safety. Colouring activities, bracelet-making workshops, and water-themed reading and crafts will be offered at the city's pools and parks. Families will also have the opportunity to meet lifeguards during the neighbourhood celebration at Parc Lorne-Worsley, where an awareness booth will be set up before the screening of Lilo & Stitch, which will be preceded by a short drowning prevention presentation.
On Friday, children visiting the Sainte-Madeleine and Saint-Jean-Baptiste outdoor pools will receive temporary tattoos and water-themed stickers. Lifeguards will also take the opportunity to speak with families and reinforce key water safety messages. The week will conclude on Saturday, July 25, with Movie Night at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste pool, where a water safety video will be shown before the screening of SpongeBob SquarePants.
As part of the week's activities, the Société de sauvetage's Splash Brigade will visit Vaudreuil-Dorion on July 15 and 22 to promote safe water practices among residents.
Beginning July 19, the Library will also feature a selection of books on water safety. Subscribers will also be invited to participate in a water-themed sticker-making activity at the LAB.
Finally, throughout National Drowning Prevention Week, a "Designated Water Watcher" whistle will be provided at City Hall (2000, rue Émile-Bouchard) with every pool installation permit or pool compliance permit issued by the Service de l'aménagement du territoire. This symbolic initiative serves as a reminder that one adult should always be designated to provide constant, undistracted supervision of children while they are in or near the water.
A detailed schedule of activities is available on the City's website, in the Calendar section.
Learning to Swim: An Essential Drowning Prevention Tool
Learning to swim remains one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning. Each year, the Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion offers swimming lessons for children and adults, as well as lifesaving courses that equip participants with the skills needed to respond in emergency situations. Registration for the fall session will begin on Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m. for residents.
