What is the Swim to Survive standard?

The Canadian Swim to Survive standard is a minimum national standard of swimming skill: the essential minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. It is three steps in sequence:

1. Roll into deep water.
2. Tread water for one minute.
3. Swim 50 metres.

It is aimed mainly at children, but the Society says people of all ages should be able to perform it, and no prior swimming experience is required. The Society notes that a wide range of aquatic training is available well beyond this minimum, and Swim for Life content includes Swim to Survive skills.

Sources: https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/swim-to-survive.aspx; Lifesaving Society Ontario Program Guide, July 2026 edition (Section 5).