Swim Drink Fish

The name Swim Drink Fish comes from signs that are all too often found on shorelines around Canada: no swimming, no fishing, and no drinking. Our organisation’s goal is simple: restore the health of local waters so that every last one of those signs is removed. We strive for a world where every watershed can be enjoyed by the communities, doing what they love.

How We Do It

Through a variety of programs and initiatives, our work starts at the community level, supporting people to monitor and advocate for their local waters. We blend science, technology, and education to engage communities and increase data sharing. We prioritize scientific integrity and transparency in all our work and innovate to ensure we are able to serve as many people and places as possible. Check out the initiatives tab to learn more about specific programs.

What We Do

Swimmable

Swimmable water means more than just being able to enjoy day at the beach. It also means being able to enjoy the water safely, stewarding the waters, and advocating for others to do the same.

Drinkable

Every community is connected to a watershed for their drinking water. That water should be protected at all times. Healthy drinking water creates a healthy community.

Fishable

All life depends on healthy waters to thrive. Fishable water means water that can sustain healthy aquatic life. Caring for fishable waters means supporting Traditional ways, livelihoods, and recreation.

CONNECT

The first step is connection, go down to your favourite water spot to connect, learn, and observe. Visit a Blue Flag beach near you.

COLLECT

Collect by becoming a community scientist with one of our Water Quality Monitoring hubs, or by doing your own data connection through Swim Guide's pollution report.

SHARE

Share, by sharing your Watermark. We all have a Watermark and by sharing your story, you can help protect the waters you love.

RESTORE

You can help Restore by getting involved or donating to the efforts around restoration projects.

  • “Supporting Swim Drink Fish has been an eye opening experience, we get to see in real time exactly where our support is going and we are constantly learning more about the problems and solutions as they emphasize education, awareness and most importantly action!”

    Diana Olsen, Inner Beach Co.

  • "We are so proud of our work with Swim Drink Fish and supporting their goal of ensuring we all have access to safe clean water. Water is vital to our health and has been central to recreational enjoyment for many Canadians for generations."

    Margaret Hudson, President and CEO Burnbrae Farms Limited

  • "We donate 5 cents from the sale of every can of our beer to Swim Drink Fish. Something in the Water Brewing Co. is based on the belief that beer is best enjoyed on or near the water. The dock, the pool, the beach; these are the precious places where memories are made and we wanted to support that in our own way."

    Steve Waugh, Co-Founder, Something in the Water

Newsroom

Stories
Saying Good Bye to Summer on the West Coast
Saying Good Bye to Summer on the West Coast

There is nothing more local than turning urban centres into climate resilient examples. That’s what swimmable cities are. They encapsulate the intersectionality of environmental stewardship, social well-being and economic prosperity. 

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Summer Reflections: Our Team's Connection to Water
Summer Reflections: Our Team's Connection to Water

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of summer. Summer is our busy season, attending events, hosting workshops, and meeting our supporters and volunteers along the water's edge, but despite our busy calendars, our staff made time to enjoy the fruits of our labour this summer by connecting with water. 

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A Model Sewage Alert System: Safeguarding Toronto’s Waterways and Communities
A Model Sewage Alert System: Safeguarding Toronto’s Waterways and Communities

This 7-step guide can be used to ensure an accurate and effective real-time sewage alert system.

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A New Waterkeeper for Lake Ontario
A New Waterkeeper for Lake Ontario

Since 2001, I have served in the role of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper protecting, restoring and celebrating this Great Lake. While I will continue as President and CEO of Swim Drink Fish, I am excited to announce that Gregary Ford, our Vice President, has been appointed as the new Lake Ontario Waterkeeper.

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