The Children’s Safety Village of Belleville is rolling out a new water safety education program aimed at helping young people better understand the risks of lakes, rivers and changing water conditions.
Developed in partnership with Quinte Conservation, the program uses hands-on learning to teach essential safety skills, including awareness of water hazards, ice safety and how moving water behaves in real-world environments.
A key feature of the initiative is a working flume that allows participants to observe water flow dynamics firsthand, helping them better understand the dangers associated with currents and unstable conditions.
The program is primarily designed for Grade 3 students but can be adapted for a range of age groups and learning environments, including school field trips, homeschool groups and community organizations.
Officials say the initiative is especially important in a region surrounded by waterways and seasonal changes that can quickly alter safety conditions.
The program is delivered through the Children’s Safety Village of Belleville, which serves as the only facility of its kind in Eastern Ontario, with a catchment area that includes Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
Executive director Rachelle Baldock says the partnership with Quinte Conservation brings together local expertise and a shared commitment to preventing injuries and promoting safety education.
She says water safety is a critical life skill in the region, and the goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions around water.
The organization says the program reflects its ongoing commitment to accessible, community-based safety education designed to help reduce risk and save lives across all ages.
Groups interested in booking a session are encouraged to contact the Children’s Safety Village directly for more information.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
