It’s that time of year where the temperature picks up and it’s time to go for a swim.

So lets go over what you can do to stay safe and what the risks are.

Closely supervise young children near water. If you’re not “within arms’ reach” of them, you’ve gone too far.
Always swim with a buddy. And play and swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
Protect your neck. Go feet first, the first time. Never dive into shallow water.
Know before you go. Check the weather forecast and complete a simple safety checklist.

Choose it and use it! Always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when boating. It won’t work if you don’t wear it. Don’t just have it in the boat. Pick one and wear it.
Think about it. Boat sober and ride sober. Don’t drink and drive your boat or snowmobile
Drive powerboats, personal watercraft and snowmobiles responsibly. Look before you act, stay low, drive at moderate speeds, be aware of changing weather conditions, and drive with extreme caution and proper lights after dark.

Get carded. Get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Take a course to help you know the boating “rules of the road,” how to respond in a boating emergency, and how to operate a pleasure craft safely.
Learn to swim and learn lifesaving skills. Go further…take a Lifesaving course: the Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard or other lifesaving program. Contact your local pool or aquatic facility for more information