“Summer has arrived and with the hot weather, we have seen an increase in attendance at our outdoor and indoor pools,” said Priya Bhasin-Singh, Director of Aquatics and Community Leisure Centres. “We want Edmontonians to be safe while enjoying our City pools, as well as our River Valley.”
Many water related incidents are preventable. This year, the Lifesaving Society is focusing on “#SaferTogether” and suggest the following water safety tips:
- Always keep an eye on children around the water — this includes all open bodies of water, backyard pools and bathtubs. Anything outside of arms’ reach is too far away.
- Swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool; know the limits and check local conditions before going in. In open water, inflatables can drift farther than intended.
- Many fatal drownings occur when people are swimming alone. Always swim with someone else.
- Heading out on the river? Regardless of the water vessel and swimming abilities, don’t forget a lifejacket — choose it and use it. Lifejackets are lifesavers, but only when worn properly. Consider lifejackets for pets as well.
- Stay sober in, on and around water. Both alcohol and cannabis can impair balance, judgment and reflexes. Boating under the influence puts yourself and others at risk.
The City offers the free Welcome to Swimming program at Clareview, Mill Woods and The Meadows recreation centres. This free program is an introduction to using the swimming pool. The first visit includes a tour of the swimming pool and amenities (including the waterslide and hot tub), a lifejacket fitting and a free swim assessment. After the tour, participants are welcome to stay and enjoy a free public swim. Translators are welcome and provided with free admission to assist.
City water stats at a glance:
All five outdoor pools - Borden Natural Swimming Pool, Fred Broadstock, Mill Creek, Queen Elizabeth, Wîhkwêntôwin (Oliver) - are now open for the season. As of July 21, 2025, attendance for outdoor pools is 36,607.
Last summer, Park Rangers conducted 9,400 safety compliance checks, a 31 per cent increase compared to 2023. There were also 3,006 warnings issued for lack of safety equipment gear, a 21 per cent increase and 17 river rescues which was an 11 per cent decrease compared to 2023. To date in 2025, Park Rangers have conducted 2,569 safety compliance checks and have issued 864 warnings for missing safety equipment gear out of which, 470 violations have been for individuals not wearing a life jacket or not having a life jacket at all.
National Drowning Prevention Week leads into World Drowning Prevention Day. On April 28, 2021, the United Nations passed a resolution on global drowning prevention. In recognition of the impact of drowning prevention on the global community, July 25 was declared as World Drowning Prevention Day.
Swimming is a skill that lasts a lifetime. Consider registering yourself or your family in swimming lessons.
