Summer Safety Tips
Canada Day always seems like the official start of summer. This means spending time outside enjoying our beautiful Ontario summer. We thought this was a good time to review some summer safety tips.
1) Wear a helmet and other safety gear when biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding, as well as when you are a riding horse, using an all-terrain vehicle, and scooter. Remember, helmets aren’t just for kids! Research indicates that bicycle helmets substantially reduce the risk of head injury.
2) When swimming, be mindful of the following:
– Never consume alcohol while swimming, boating, or partaking in other water recreational activities;
– Know your swimming ability before entering the water;
– Check the water temperature;
– Don’t dive into water unless you know the depth and the presence of any potential underwater hazards;
– Never swim in swiftly moving water;
– Wear a lifejacket, especially when boating;
– Swim at beaches that are supervised by a life guard, never swim alone, and stay close to shore.
3) Stay hydrated in warm weather to avoid heat related illness.
Water is always a good option for staying hydrated; however consider a product such as coconut water which will replenish your body’s electrolytes to help stay hydrated. Sugar sweetened and highly caffeinated beverages, as well as alcohol should be avoided as they cause the body to release fluids leading to dehydration. Warning signs of dehydration are headaches, cramps muscles, dizziness, a dry mouth, and lethargy. If you don’t take the appropriate action it could lead to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke. Factors such as poor circulation, chronic medical conditions, high blood pressure, and certain medications can increase your susceptibility to heat related illness.
4) Watercraft safety is key!
If you are operating a boat, a Pleasure Craft Operator card is required by law, as well as marine safety equipment. You are required to always have the following in your watercraft:
– Properly fitting personal floatation device, (PFD) or lifejacket approved for use in Canada for each person on board;
– Sound signalling device such as a whistle;
– Bail bucket or manual water pump;
– Buoyant heaving line at least 15 meters in length;
– Watertight flashlight or Canadian approved flares (Type A, B, or C);
– Paddle or other propelling device.
Enjoy the summer and be safe!
