The Town of Canmore is proud to participate in the Lifesaving Society’s National Drowning Prevention Week, which raises awareness about drowning risks and encourages communities to take action to prevent water-related injuries and deaths.
Drowning rates are highest in mid-July, and with Canmore surrounded by lakes, rivers, and ponds — similar to the locations where 58 per cent of drownings occur in Canada — we're taking water safety messages out into the community in engaging and interactive ways.
From July 20 to 26, find our aquatics team around town — from the Canmore Mountain Market to Quarry Lake — as we share tips and tools to stay safe around water.
Sunday, July 20
Preventing non-fatal and fatal drownings
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Elevation Place
Join Elevation Place lifeguards to learn about the importance of active supervision and swimming with a buddy. We'll have kids' colouring pages available — return them to the pool and they will be hung on the pool deck.
Monday, July 21
Staying safe around open water
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Quarry Lake
Join our recreation staff to learn about staying safe on and around open water. We'll have a fun afternoon learning about the lifejacket loaner station and how to use rescue equipment.
Tuesday, July 22
Pool safety
1 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Elevation Place pool
Learn how to be a Water Smart® advocate, and how to promote being #safertogether in and around the water!
Share with us your appreciation for the Elevation Place lifeguard team. All submissions will be shared with the lifeguard team on July 31 (Lifeguard Appreciation Day.)
Wednesday, July 23
'Swim to survive' safety challenge
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Elevation Place pool
Practice the skills needed to protect yourself in unpredicted situations in and around the water — from ice safety in the lap pool, to moving water in the lazy river.
Those who complete the swim challenge (roll in, treading water for 60 seconds, and swimming 50 metres) will be awarded a certificate and a bracelet.
Thursday, July 24
Booth at Canmore Mountain Market
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Elevation Place plaza (Canmore Mountain Market)
Stop by the Canmore Mountain Market and say hello to our Elevation Place pool lifeguards. Test yourself in a variety of water safety trivia. Buddy the Lifeguard Dog will be around the market from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make sure to come by and say hello!
Friday, July 25
World Drowning Prevention Day
Wear blue on July 25 for the World Health Organization's World Drowning Prevention Day and tag your photo with #NDPW2025 to show your support!
Saturday, July 26
Boating and PFD safety
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (drop-in) | Elevation Place Lap Pool
Drop in to learn key boating safety tips during public swim! Our team will be at the lap pool offering quick education sessions on PFDs, how to stay warm in cold water, and rescue basics for boating safety.