Swim to Survive®

Overview

The acquisition of basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada.

The Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard is a minimum national standard of swimming skill for all children. The standard is simple, straightforward, and focused. It defines the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. It is recognized that there is a wide range of aquatic training well beyond this minimum.

The Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard:

1. Roll into deep water – Orientate oneself at the surface after an unexpected entry.
2. Tread water for 1 minute – Support oneself at the surface to locate the nearest point of safety.
3. Swim 50 metres – Reach the closest point of safety by using any method of swimming.

The Lifesaving Society’s Family Swim to Survive® is designed to create a comfortable learning environment for families, some of whom might be newcomers to Canada or may have no experience with survival swimming and water safety. Contact your local pool for Family Swim to Survive® training! 

Please note Swim to Survive® is not a swimming lesson – and not a replacement for them. Swim to Survive® teaches just the essentials needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water – an important first step to being safe around water. The Lifesaving Society strongly encourages parents to enroll their children in swimming lessons