Staying Safe Around Water This Spring and Summer

by Beverly Croft and Carolyn Farrell

Bev Croft RN

Carolyn Farrell

With warmer weather on the way, it’s time to start thinking about water safety!

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, many of us look forward to outdoor activities. However, spring brings unique risks due to changing water conditions, unpredictable weather, and cold-water temperatures.

Did you know that the frozen ground prevents melting snow and rainfall from seeping into the ground? This can cause an overflow of water, leading to flooding and high water in our rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, and streams.

Other hazards include:

  •  Thin Ice – Ice on lakes and rivers weakens in the spring, increasing the risk of falling through. What appears solid may be dangerously thin.
  •  Cold Water – Water temperatures remain dangerously cold in early spring, even on warm days. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can happen within minutes of falling into cold water and can be life threatening.
  • Fast-Flowing Currents – The excess water causes rivers and streams to flow faster, making them unpredictable and difficult to navigate.

In 2020, there were 211 water related deaths in Ontario. According to the Lifesaving Society, new Canadians are at a greater risk of drowning than people born in Canada and 79% of new Canadian adults said that they had never taken formal swimming lessons. Older adults are also at high risk for drowning, and males are four times more likely to drown than females. Drowning is fast and silent but preventable!

Here are some tips to keep yourself and others safe around water this spring:

  •  If you are not sure if the ice is safe, stay off the ice.
  • Keep yourself, your family and pets a safe distance away from the surfaces and edges of all bodies of water to prevent falling through or into cold and fast flowing water. Riverbanks can also be unstable due to erosion.
  • Keep children within arms’ reach when in and around water. Keep pets leashed and away from all bodies of water.
  • Don’t go out onto ice alone or at night.
    • Avoid crossing or playing near flooded areas and stormwater management ponds.
  •  Learn about what you can do if you or someone you are with falls through the ice. More information at lifesavingsociety.com.

Rescuing a pet or another person from icy or fast flowing water is dangerous. Call 9-1-1 if you see someone has fallen into a body of water.

Summer will also be here before you know it. This summer we want you to stay active and safe around water. Prevention is the key!

Here are some ways to keep cool and stay safe around the water this summer:

  •  Keep children within arms’ reach in and around water. Ottawa Public Health recommends installing four-sided fencing to ensure access to a pool is completely separate from the house, preventing direct access by a child.
  • Ensure children and weaker swimmers wear properly fitted lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFD) in and around the water.
  • Don’t swim alone. Always swim with others who know how to swim.
  •  Swim in areas where lifeguards are on duty.
  •  Be aware of the conditions where you swim. Watch for currents and changes in the lake or river bottom.
  •  Make sure you and your family members learn to swim.

For more information on staying safe please visit our  Water Safety website.

Carolyn Farrell, is a 4th Year BScN, Algonquin College/uOttawa 
Beverley Croft, RN is a Public Health Nurse with Ottawa Public Health | Santé publique Ottawa