With a record-setting heat wave in full effect and forecasted to stay past the July 1st, Canada Day holiday, people will be heading to the water to cool off more than ever before.

It is deemed necessary to remind people every year about water safety. However, this year it will be more important than ever with even more people looking for a way to cool off in the extreme heat. That means waterways will be very busy and many people may forget about safety rules when it comes to being on or near the water.

Officials are reminding Albertans along with the fun activities that can be enjoyed on lakes and rivers throughout the province, there is also always a risk of injury, accidents, and drownings.

Whether you are operating a boat, canoe, raft, tubing, or swimming it is important to keep water safety top of mind.

Since 2016 a total of 89 people have drowned in Alberta with 80 per cent of the drowning fatalities having occurred in a lake or river.

Cochranites are fortunate to have the Bow River, Jumping Pound Creek, and Ghost Lake at their backdoor and they will be popular spots in the hot days to come.

Fire Inspector, Jeff Avery says, “We are asking everyone to use extreme caution if you are going to the river to have the proper watercraft. Wear a life jacket, that’s mandatory for all ages. Even if you are a good swimmer or not you have to have a lifejacket on.” A reminder, the Cochrane Public Library loans life jackets.

Avery adds, “Leave your alcohol at home, all alcohol is prohibited on the river.” That goes for all bodies of water. Operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code.

Other safety reminders include:

  • Check the weather - Always check the weather forecasts and reports before going on or in the water. Changing weather conditions can be extremely dangerous while on the water. Continue to monitor weather conditions for the duration of your water activity.
  • Share your plans - Know the area you will be in and share your itinerary with someone so that if there is an emergency you can be located quickly.
  • Dress to protect - Boaters, tubers, and swimmers should wear life jackets or personal flotation devices when on the water. Tubers should wear a helmet. Wearing a life jacket or PFD is the best defense for surviving cold-water shock and hypothermia. Dress appropriately for cool weather or extreme sun which can cause fatigue and disorientation.
  • Prepare your boat - Before heading out on the water, boaters should make sure their boat is equipped with mandatory boat safety equipment such as life jackets, signalling devices, and bailing containers. Always bring emergency supplies like extra food, water, clothes, and a cell phone.
  • Know your limits – Be self-aware and don’t push your physical limits when playing or engaging in water. Many drowning instances we have seen over the years have been as a result of fatigue and being too far from shore. If you cannot swim, stay out of the water and seek shade instead.

It is also important to be safe in extreme heat, drink lots of water and use lots of sunscreen especially if you are going down by the water. Avery says, “The sun will reflect on the water and you can get a pretty severe sunburn when it’s over 30 in a hurry you can get heatstroke in a hurry when it’s this hot so put a hat put on some sunscreen and drink lots of water. Not lots of alcohol, lots of water because alcohol just adds to the problem of heatstroke.”

The waterways are a wonderful natural cooling system when there is a heatwave. However, it is always important to be mindful of the power of nature in all its forms.