Big Splash Safety Night brings water smart fun to Lions Pool during National Drowning Prevention Week

The Town of Oakville is inviting families to dive into water-smart fun at the Big Splash Safety Night on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Lions Pool. As part of National Drowning Prevention Week, the free community event features swimming, water safety demonstrations and hands-on experiences designed to help residents of all ages build confidence in the water.

The evening will kick off with a free Swim to Survive family session, followed by public swims featuring quick water-smart demonstrations. Families can also explore interactive booths while learning practical skills to stay safe around water.

One of the event highlights is the Swimsuit Safety Challenge, a hands-on activity demonstrating how the colour of a bathing suit can make swimmers easier to spot in the water. Participants can test different swimsuit colours, discover which ones provide the greatest visibility, and win prizes. 

Outside the pool, visitors can explore interactive water safety booths on the basketball courts, featuring a variety of resources and family-friendly activities. The Oakville Fire Department will also be on site with opportunities to check out a fire truck and explore boating safety resources.

The Town is also offering free recreational swims at outdoor pools every Wednesday throughout the summer:

• Wednesday, July 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Falgarwood Pool
• Wednesday, July 22, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Lions Pool
• Wednesday, July 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wedgewood Pool
• Wednesday, August 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bronte Pool
• Wednesday, August 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Brookdale Pool
• Wednesday, August 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Falgarwood Pool
• Wednesday, August 26, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Lions Pool
• Wednesday, September 2, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Wedgewood Pool

Residents can pre-register online up to eight days in advance to reserve their spot.

Drowning remains a leading cause of preventable death among children under the age of 10 in Ontario, reinforcing the importance of water safety education and preparedness. Programs such as Swim to Survive, delivered in partnership with the Lifesaving Society and supported through funding from FirstOntario Credit Union, help participants develop essential survival skills, including rolling into deep water, treading water for one minute and swimming 50 metres to safety. This year, more than 1,600 students completed the Town of Oakville's Swim to Survive program.

Through year-round aquatic programming and community outreach, the Town of Oakville is committed to helping residents of all ages develop the skills and confidence to enjoy the water safely. Swimming lessons are available at all Town pools through the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life program.

Residents are encouraged to attend this free evening of fun, learning and water-smart experiences. For more information visit our Big Splash Safety Night page and Aquatics Programs page.