Swimming Saves Lives Program

At The ACE Foundation, we believe every child deserves the confidence and safety that comes with learning to swim.

That’s why “Swim to Survive” is an essential part of our Day Program, March Break Camp, and Summer Camp offerings for all ages.

Why “Swimming Saves Lives” Matters

Swimming is a Life Skill:

Like fire safety and street-proofing, swimming is a fundamental survival skill that every child should have.

Accessible for All:

Many Canadian youth never take formal swimming lessons. Our Swim to Survive module ensures every participant builds confidence, even without prior experience.

Tailored to the Community

We embed water safety and survival skills throughout our youth programs—because most drownings occur close to safety and when least expected.

The ACE Swim to Survive program teaches the basic skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water:

1. Roll into deep water

2. Tread water for 1 minute

3. Swim 50 metres

These essential steps dramatically increase the odds of self-rescue and are achievable by most children with just a few sessions.

Did you know?

Drowning remains the 3rd leading cause of accidental death in Canadian children.

Over 400 Canadians fatally drown each year, many are children or youth.

In Ontario, 57 drowning deaths were reported by July 2025—8 more than at the same point the previous year. Child fatalities are among the most tragic and preventable.

A recent Lifesaving Society study found almost all Canadians (98%) agree swimming is a life skill all children should learn, yet 60% of kids don’t participate in formal lessons.(https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/)

Our Commitment

At ACE Foundation, we are committed to making swimming—and safety—accessible to all youth.
By integrating “Swim to Survive” throughout our day, camp, and after-school programs, we empower every young ACE with this crucial life skill.
Join us as we build a safer, stronger community—one swimmer at a time.