Even though relief from the hot, sticky weather might come sporadically, people will flock to the shore and other swimming areas to beat the heat. It’s fun, and great relief, but unless precautions and safety rules are heeded summer fun can also turn tragic.
It’s not uncommon during summer in Nova Scotia to hear about a drowning – and like any mishap they can usually be prevented.
In recent weeks in Ontario, where temperatures have been soaring, there have been seven deaths due to drowning. That’s a bad start – for a summer that’s just barely underway.
Of course, adults need to pay particularly close attention to children. Those who are smaller and can’t swim or are just beginning shouldn’t be near the water alone, and at any rate should be wearing a life jacket.
And with more and more backyard swimming pools cropping up, homeowners simply have to ensure fences are in place with secure, latching gates. We have to keep in mind that children in the area might find an unattended pool hard to resist. In fact, Doctors Nova Scotia recommends pool fences with self-closing, self-latching gates as a precaution.
Parents should also take advantage of one of the excellent swim programs offered in many communities for children. They will not only learn the strokes, but a lot about water safety and what to do if they find themselves in difficulty.
As for boating, it’s been said many times but bears repeating: water and alcohol don’t mix in this instance. Also, even strong swimmers should be wearing lifejackets onboard. Proper training for boating has become a must in this province, but knowing the rules and practising them can be two different things.
People seeking recreation in natural waters also have to acquaint themselves with features such as shallow areas, rocks, tide pull and undertow. What seems like nearby dry land can suddenly be a lot farther when a swimmer runs into trouble.
