National Drowning Prevention Week: Prepare to Be Water Smart
July 19 - 26, 2026
National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to reducing drowning and water-related injuries through education, awareness, and action. Every year, hundreds of Canadians lose their lives in preventable drowning incidents. During NDPW, organizations across Ontario and Canada work together to encourage everyone to be safe in, on, and around the water.
This year's theme, "Prepare to Be Water Smart," highlights the simple steps everyone can take to help prevent drowning before heading to the beach, pool, lake, or river.
Join Us During National Drowning Prevention Week
FREE Open Swim
Monday, July 20 | 5:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Celebrate National Drowning Prevention Week with a free community Open Swim at the Trent Athletics Centre. No membership is required to participate. Please note that all participants will be required to complete a waiver upon arrival.
Drowning Prevention Educational Event
Friday, July 24 | 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Riverview Park & Zoo
Visit the Trent Athletics Centre team at Riverview Park & Zoo to learn more about water safety, drowning prevention, and the simple actions that can help save lives. Be sure to wear blue in support of National Drowning Prevention Week!
Colouring Contest
Stop by the Trent Athletics Centre throughout the week to enter our National Drowning Prevention Week colouring contest for a chance to win a prize. Visit the Front Desk for contest details, and to pick up your copy of the colouring sheets!
You may also print your own sheet below and submit it at the front desk by July 26.
Colouring Sheet for ages 5 and under
Colouring sheet for ages 11-15
Drowning Prevention Week in Peterborough:
Summer 2026 Swimming Lessons
Registration for Summer 2026 Swimming Lessons will open on Wednesday, June 3 at 7AM!
Get ready for another great summer in the pool! We're excited to offer weekly lessons on Wednesday evenings this summer for all ages and skill levels.
Swim School is back!
This summer, we’re also offering Swim School, a focused program designed to help swimmers build skills faster through consistency.
Runs Monday–Friday
Offered in 2-week sessions
Daily lessons help swimmers progress quickly and build confidence in the water
The Allan Marshall Pool
The only 25 metre competitive pool in Peterborough offers 6 lanes, recreational swimming opportunities, aquafit, swim lessons for various age groups, and women's only swim programs. Trent students, members, or individuals who purchase a day pass have access to lane swims, open swims and aquafit classes. Visit our pool schedule to see which aquatic program fits your schedule.
Click here to view the pool schedule
Additional Features of the Allan Marshall Pool
Newly fitted ramp for improved accessibility.
Header Wall & Starting Blocks for competitive swimming.