Every summer, National Drowning Prevention Week reminds Canadians of the crucial role water safety plays in our lives. But here at the YMCA of Niagara, water safety isn’t just a one-week campaign — it’s a year-round commitment.
We sat down with Carrie, Aquatics Coordinator at the Niagara West YMCA, to get an insider’s perspective on why the YMCA is more than a swim lesson provider — it’s a public health champion, a community builder, and a safety net for families across our region.

Meet Carrie, Aquatics Coordinator at Niagara West YMCA
Why Water Safety Matters—More Than You Think
According to the Lifesaving Society, drowning is the third-leading cause of injury-related death for Canadian children under 14, and it often happens silently, in less than 30 seconds. That’s why Carrie says, “You can drown in even just a puddle — it takes such a small amount of water.”

At the YMCA, drowning prevention isn’t only about lifeguards on duty (although, yes, we have those!). It’s woven into everything we do:
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Parent & Tot classes teach caregivers how to stay within arm’s reach.
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Swim to Survive programs help Grade 3 students master the skills that could save their lives.
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Adult private lessons offer a safe, judgement-free space for people facing their fears of water, including many newcomers to Canada.
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Aquatic leadership camps teach teens lifesaving skills alongside friendship and fun.
For Carrie, water safety is personal. “My background is in public health, so I love being able to offer programs that increase health outcomes for the whole community,” she says. And with her current swim lessons participants ranging from 4 months old to 72 years old, it truly is water safety for everyone.
Building Lifesavers, Not Just Swimmers
While many people know the YMCA for swim lessons, fewer realize we offer a full suite of aquatic enrichment programs where swimmers become leaders.
Through courses like Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, and First Aid/CPR, participants gain confidence in the water, learn practical lifesaving skills, and often find a pathway to their first summer job or leadership role.
These enrichment programs are part of what makes the YMCA a leader in community health — helping swimmers grow their skills, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful roles like lifeguarding and swim instruction. National Drowning Prevention Week is a chance to spotlight the impact of these programs and invite more people to be part of the YMCA’s story of water safety and community care.
As Carrie shares: “We had this one member who was new to swimming, and I went over to introduce myself during his first swim lesson. He said, ‘I’m terrified of the water, especially putting my face in. I just want to get over that fear.’ I told him, ‘Wow, I’m so proud of you for being here.’ Learning something new as an adult is hard, but now every time I see him, we chat. He’s even emailed me asking for specific instructors he’s built a connection with.”
Behind the Scenes: How the YMCA Creates Safer Communities
The magic of the Y isn’t just the splashy stuff. It’s the little things:
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A swim instructor calmly guiding a nervous adult through their first strokes.
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A lifeguard quickly intervening when a child strays too deep, preventing a dangerous moment before it even happens.
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A financial assistance program making sure no family is left out because of cost.
Carrie proudly shares that in just one year, the Grimsby YMCA expanded its Swim to Survive reach from 4 schools to 8, meaning over 400 local kids got free, potentially life-saving water safety training. And for families who can’t afford swim lessons or lifeguard courses, YMCA programs like Making Waves help break down financial barriers.
YMCA Lifeguards, instructors, members and participants make waves across Niagara every day!
Safer Together, Stronger Together
At the YMCA, we believe water safety is for everyone. Whether you’re a parent wanting to keep your little one safe, an adult looking to conquer your fear of water, or a youth dreaming of lifeguarding, you’re welcome here.
What’s happening in our pools isn’t just recreation — it’s about building a safer, healthier Niagara, together.