With hot weather in the forecast, you may have plans for a dip in a pool or to head out boating this summer.
However you beat the heat, do it safely and responsibly. Each year, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responds to about 150 water rescue calls. Not surprisingly, the summer months are the busiest for these types of calls.
We want everyone spending time outdoors and being active, but we want you to do so safely. Prevent a tragedy or a scary situation by following these tips:
Wear a life jacket
Always wear a life jacket when on a boat or participating in other activities on the river. If you don't own a life jacket, you can rent one through the Recreation Equipment Rentals Program.
Supervise
Supervise children when they’re in or around, water – even if they know how to swim.
The Lifesaving Society’s Annual Drowning Report shows lack of adult supervision is a major contributing factor to child drowning deaths in Manitoba. In all cases, an adult supervisor was found to be either absent or distracted.
Put your phone down when you’re supervising children and make sure you are always within arm’s reach of kids.
Unattended children under the age of five have a higher risk of drowning because they are quick and curious. They are also the least capable of self-rescue of any age group.
Learn about water safety
Talk to children of all ages about staying away from retention ponds and river banks. This is especially important when they are old enough to be left unsupervised and may be playing with friends in their neighbourhood.
Check out these water safety videos that are available in English, French, Tagalog, Arabic, and Punjabi. Watch them with your kids.
Check the water conditions
It's also important to monitor river and weather conditions before you head out to use the waterways. Changes in wind direction and speed, or sudden storms can make it more difficult to control boats, kayaks, and canoes.
Poor weather conditions also make rescues more difficult and dangerous for responders.
Stay sober
Impairment is another factor WFPS crews report when they attend emergency water calls. Never use any substance, including alcohol or cannabis, when operating a boat. In fact, WFPS recommends avoiding all activities near the water while using substances.
Boating while impaired isn’t just dangerous, it’s also illegal and can result in arrest and criminal charges.
Follow the regulations
Boaters are required to keep standardized safety equipment on board their boat. The list of equipment and requirements is based on the size of a boat. Visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety for more information and safety tips. Failing to have the required safety equipment can potentially jeopardize your safety. It can also result in a fine for missing equipment.
The Winnipeg Police Service's River Patrol will be on the waterways and riverbanks. Their job is to keep residents safe and respond to river-related calls. It serves both an enforcement and education role. If you have any questions, always feel free to ask the members.
Want to learn important swimming and lifesaving skills? Take one of our Leisure Guide swimming lessons or aquatic leadership training courses. You can find current course offerings and registration information through leisureONLINE.
Originally posted on June 10, 2020