Learning to Swim Makes Schooners, Kayaks, Salmon Fishing and Family Picnics So Much More Fun– Safe Boating Awareness Week Tip of the Day #1

For some of you, sailing swiftly on Lake Ontario aboard an elegant Schooner or soaking up the sun on a trendy catamaran might be on your list of dreamy things to do this summer. For others of you, angling the deep waters for the best salmon or vigorously paddling a kayak along the credit river might be your thing.  Perhaps a family picnic involving a body of water in some way is in your future. If any kind of boating or water play is in your summer plans, Peel Regional Police is encouraging you to make sure you know how to swim.

Drowning can happen quickly when activities are under way. If you or a loved one falls unnoticed into the lake, river or other body of water not knowing how to swim, help may be too late. Prevent panic and build self-confidence by learning or improving the life-saving skill of swimming.

The cities in the Region of Peel all provide swimming lessons to residents through their recreation and parks department. Some are group lessons and others are privately delivered.  Swimming lessons in Brampton are available to children as well as adults. Swimming lessons in Mississauga offered through the Swim for Life program are also available for all ages. Likewise, swimming lessons are available in Caledon. Many private organizations also offer swimming lessons in the Region of Peel .

The most important thing when enjoying boating or other activities around bodies of water is to do so in the safest way possible.  Learn to swim, you won’t regret it.

For more information about boating safety visit the Government of Canada Office of Boating Safety.