Water Safety
Lazy summer days in the sweltering heat can mean proximity to water to cool off. A canoe on a lake or a dip in the pool are part of our iconic summer experience. Water can go from being a reprieve from the heat to a villainous enemy in a matter of moments. Every year in Ontario there are reports of drownings related to recreational water sports.
Here are some tips on how to be safe during this summer season.
- Learn to swim and teach your kids to swim. Swimming is an important life skill in addition to being a wonderful recreational activity.
- Never swim alone. That stream may be tempting but always have a buddy with you when you swim.
- Always wear a life jacket when you are on a boat.
- Avoid recreational drugs and alcohol when you are around water. Your strength and reaction time are impacted by the use of substances.
- In addition to risk of drowning, water in lakes can be subject to contamination from bacteria like E. coli. Keep an eye on advisories about bacterial counts in lakes before swimming there.
The Lifesaving Society of Ontario provides excellent information regarding water safety. They have a basic learn to swim program as well as training around the use of lifejackets, backyard pool safety and fitting of life jackets. Lifesavingsociety.com is an excellent resource.
Enjoy the hazy days of summer and keep safe!
Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!
