Joining the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) and New Zealand Swim Schools, CSSA members will take part in a coordinated activity during their 10:00am local lessons, creating a wave of support that spans three nations and celebrates the collective commitment of the learn-to-swim industry to keeping children safer around water.

The campaign aligns with the World Health Organization's 2026 theme, "Unite to Turn the Tide," recognising that drowning is preventable and that every lesson, every instructor and every swim school has a role to play in saving lives.

"Every swimming lesson builds confidence, develops life-saving skills and gives children the knowledge they need to stay safer around water. The WaterWarrior Wave is a wonderful opportunity for Canada's swim school community to unite with our colleagues in Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating that together we can amplify the message that drowning is preventable and every lesson has the power to save lives."

— Luke Daly, Executive Director, Canadian Swim School Alliance (CSSA)

A Simple Activity with a Powerful Message

The WaterWarrior Wave takes just a few minutes during a regular swimming lesson.

At 10:00am local time, participating classes will:

• Gather together in the pool.

• Rise to create a "W" with their arms.

• Splash back into the water.

• Finish with a collective call of "TURN THE TIDE!"

The activity is suitable for swimmers of every age and ability—from parent-and-baby classes through to advanced squads—and encourages families to become part of the message.

Building a Global Wave of Water Safety

As each country takes part in its own time zone, thousands of swimmers will unite throughout the day in a shared demonstration of the importance of swimming lessons and water safety education.

By sharing videos and photos online, participating swim schools will help amplify the message that drowning prevention starts with education, awareness and communities working together.

Join the Movement

CSSA encourages all member swim schools to participate and share their WaterWarrior Wave on Saturday, 25 July.

Tag @CanadianSwimSchoolAlliance and use:

#WaterWarriorWave
#UniteToTurnTheTide
#WorldDrowningPreventionDay
#CSSASwimSchools
#TeachCanadaToSwim

Together, Canadian swim schools can help send a clear message around the world:

Together, we can Unite to Turn the Tide.

About the Campaign Partners

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) is the national peak body representing swim schools across Australia. ASSA supports its members through education, advocacy, industry collaboration and the promotion of high-quality learn-to-swim and water safety programs.

The Canadian Swim School Alliance (CSSA) is the national association representing and supporting swim schools across Canada. Through education, collaboration and the sharing of industry best practice, CSSA empowers swim school owners and operators to deliver high-quality learn-to-swim and water safety programs that help make Canadian communities safer around water. 

World Drowning Prevention Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly and led by the World Health Organization (WHO), is observed annually on 25 July to raise awareness that drowning is preventable. 

The WaterWarrior Wave is inspired by S.A.F.E.R. WaterWarriors, ASSA's water safety education initiative that helps children build the knowledge, confidence and skills to stay safer around water. Together, ASSA, CSSA and New Zealand Swim Schools are using the WaterWarrior Wave to unite swim schools across three nations in support of drowning prevention.

Media Contact

Luke Daly
Executive Director
Canadian Swim School Alliance (CSSA)
📧 luke@canadianswimschools.org

Nearly nine in ten attendees rated the event Excellent, with an average recommendation score of 9.5 out of 10. What they remember most is the connection.

MUSKOKA, ONTARIO, — CAMP CSSA 2026, held from 27 to 29 May at Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, has wrapped as one of the most highly rated events on the Canadian swim school calendar. The numbers are strong. The stories behind them are stronger.

CAMP CSSA was designed to feel different. Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka takes real effort to reach, which is part of the point. Once Canadian Swim Schoolers arrive, the daily grind drops away and the room opens up.

This year that showed up everywhere. On the Glow & Goggles night the dance floor filled with people who, by their own admission, had never danced at a conference in their lives. In the breakout sessions, SwimSchoolers who compete for the same local families swapped systems, scripts and hard-won lessons without a second thought. By the time people headed home, the words they reached for were community, connection and genuine.

That is the quiet engine of CAMP CSSA. Get good people in one place, away from the noise, give them room to be themselves and the rest follows. The professional development is excellent. The relationships are what last.

The feedback backs up the feeling in the room. The overwhelming majority of attendees rated CAMP CSSA 2026 Excellent. The average likelihood-to-recommend score landed at 9.5 out of 10, with most giving it a top mark. Attendees were unanimous that the event delivered real value for their time away from the business.

They travelled from across Canada to be there, from the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec, Alberta and southwestern Ontario, alongside international guests from the United States and Australia. Asked to sum up the event in one word, they offered “transformational”, “epic”, “invigorating” and “genuine”.

The programme leaned into business and personal development rather than day-to-day operations, and it landed. Keynote speaker Brad J. Anderson was the most frequently named highlight, with sessions from Cody Adent, Tiernan Murphy, Barbara Smith and Chris Porter also drawing strong praise. The “bird” customer-personality framework, the Customer Service Blueprint and operational scorecards were among the most cited takeaways heading back into attendees’ businesses.

For CSSA Executive Director Luke Daly, the connection was the point.

“Watching CAMP CSSA come together was a genuine highlight. Canadian SwimSchoolers travelled a long way to be in one room. They showed up ready to share. That generosity is rare. People left with plans they can actually act on. What stuck with me was the connection. When operators open up about what’s working in their own business, the whole industry lifts. That’s the part I’m here for.”

— Luke Daly, Executive Director, Canadian Swim Schools Association (CSSA)

CSSA Board Chair Tiernan Murphy said the credit belonged to the community that turned up to build it.

“As a board, we set out to build something that felt different from the usual conference. CAMP CSSA was never going to be rows of chairs and slide decks. We wanted our SwimSchoolers to leave with sharper businesses and stronger friendships. Watching the room come together this year, on the dance floor and in the breakout rooms, told us we got it right. This community is our greatest asset. This result belongs to every SwimSchooler who showed up ready to share. On behalf of the board, thank you for making CAMP CSSA what it is.”

— Tiernan Murphy, Chair of the Board, Canadian Swim Schools Association (CSSA)

Attendees were quick to share what stayed with them.

“This was my first CSSA conference and I truly am so grateful for this experience. The atmosphere and overall vibe of this event is just so genuine. Everyone is there to learn, network and share ideas together.”

— Avery Mutlow, True Blue Swim

“The relationships I’ve formed with fellow Canadian swim school owners have genuinely changed my life. The support, collaboration and friendships I’ve found through this community have been invaluable.”

— Julia Surette, Brave Waves Swim School

“The level of organisation was evident in every detail, from the networking events to the presenters. The sessions were insightful and inspiring. Looking forward to being part of the next one.”

— Julia Ham, Hampton Swim School

“The camp vibe fit very well with our industry … a great vibe once we were there.”

— Catherine Kochel, Finan Swim School

Highlights from CAMP CSSA 2026 are available to view and share.

Photo gallery: CAMP CSSA 2026

Planning for the next CAMP CSSA is already underway. If there was one consistent request in the feedback, it was for more time together, with several attendees asking for a longer programme and additional networking. On this result, demand for 2027 looks set to be strong.

About CSSA

The Canadian Swim Schools Association (CSSA) supports Canada’s SwimSchoolers, the swim school owners and operators across the country, through education, connection and shared best practice. Its flagship event, CAMP CSSA, brings the community together each year for learning, leadership and genuine connection.

Media contact

Luke Daly, Executive Director, CSSA

luke@canadianswimschools.org

Flourish 2026 – The ICAP Conference

Friday 27th March 2026

The ICAP Conference promises to be an amazing day for Children’s Activity Providers. With great content, suppliers and networking opportunities. See you there!

This year’s event will feature an exciting mix of keynote sessions, interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and our ever-popular in-water sessions—all designed to deliver practical tools and fresh inspiration you can take home and apply.

You’ll connect with like-minded professionals, collaborate in peer learning circles, and engage with industry leaders who are passionate about helping swim schools grow and thrive.

We look forward to sharing more details soon and hope you’ll be part of this incredible experience!