A water safety program for newcomers to Canada that aims to save lives has proven popular in Mississauga, the city says.

Nearly 500 people who’ve recently (within the past five years) moved to Canada have enrolled in the City of Mississauga’s Swim to Survive program for newcomers since it was launched in summer 2024, according to city officials.

The program, offered free of charge to newcomers in Mississauga, is a Lifesaving Society initiative that seeks to prevent drowning and water-related injuries.

Registration for the summer 2026 program in Mississauga is full, say city officials who note the popularity of the sessions speaks “to the need and interest in this training.”

Swim to Survive teaches “the essential skills every Canadian should know in a water emergency,” officials said.

Program open to those ages eight and older

The program in Mississauga is open to newcomers ages eight and older. It offers three one-hour classes where participants will learn how to roll into deep water, tread water for one minute and swim 50 metres.

“As Mississauga continues to welcome newcomers, the program addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of settlement — water safety,” city officials say. “It helps participants build confidence, independence and community connection while learning an essential life skill.”

According to the Lifesaving Society, newcomers face a disproportionately increased risk of drowning, with many describing themselves as non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Research also indicates many newcomers have had limited access to formal swimming instruction, may be less familiar with local risks and can face barriers such as cost when accessing lessons, the city noted.

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“With summer in full swing, water safety is always a concern. Every individual needs to know how to survive if they unexpectedly fall into water,” Mississauga officials say. “Created for newcomers who have arrived to Canada in the last five years, Swim to Survive teaches essential skills designed to help newcomers build foundational swimming and water safety skills in the event of water emergencies.”

Drowning a leading cause of accidental death in Canada

Mississauga officials noted earlier that drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in Canada, and that 20 per cent of all drownings across the country happen in July.

Furthermore, two-thirds of drowning deaths are likely to occur between May and September on weekends in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers and ponds, they said, and more than half of all drowning deaths occur during recreational activity.

“The Lifesaving Society reports that drowning during aquatic recreational activities such as swimming, walking/playing near water and boating (power boat, kayaking, canoeing, fishing from a boat) are the most common,” the city said earlier.

“In drowning situations, every second matters. Being informed and equipped with basic yet effective prevention safety measures can make all the difference in saving lives. Awareness of safe practices, diligent supervision and understanding the specific risks posed by local waterways can make all the difference.”


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