The Sudbury Health Department has issued a seasonal water safety warning ahead of the May long weekend.
Undated photo of the east shore of Fairbank Lake, west of Sudbury. (File photo/Courtesy/Northern Ontario Travel/Photo credit: Fairbank Lake Resort)
With the arrival of warmer weather during the first long weekend of cottage season, Sudbury and District Public Health Department (PHSD) officials are encouraging people to enjoy spending time in and around lakes, rivers and streams. We urge people to “ensure water safety!” Let's be water smart! ”
According to the health department, in 2021, six people died from drowning or submersion-related injuries in the Sudbury area, and in 2022, eight people were brought to area emergency departments with near-drowning or other submersion-related injuries.
Knowing how to act safely and wisely in and around water can save lives, the news release states.
Northern Ontario is home to hundreds of lakes and rivers, perfect for outdoor adventures, but officials said people need to be aware of the risks.
“Our service area includes Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world,” Public Health Nurse Stephanie Gray said in a news release Thursday.
“We are also fortunate to live surrounded by many lakes and rivers, so we need to be prepared and aware of the risks when boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the coastline.” I am calling on people to do so.”
Acting Sergeant Ian McGail of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Sudbury Enforcement Division said Sudbury is looking to improve water safety and boaters can expect increased enforcement on the water.
“The Ontario government is taking steps to increase safety for anglers on our waterways this summer,” he said.
“Conservation officers from the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry will be patrolling the waterways to ensure compliance with public safety and natural resource laws.”
Public health says it's safe on the water, but don't forget to come prepared and provide some tips.
Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when out on the water, always keep children within arm's reach, always swim in the boat, and always swim with a friend or someone nearby.
Public Health recommends downloading the Boat Notes app from the Canadian Safe Boating Council.
A news release advised people to plan their boat trips in advance. Know the weather, know the safety information, know the rules.
in social media posts On Friday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) emphasized a safe summer on Manitoulin Island and across Northern Ontario, urging everyone to check the weather before boating or swimming and to ensure everyone is “appropriately sized.” He echoed much of the health department's advice, including checking the Please wear a life jacket or her PFD when boating.
“It is against the law to operate a boat while impaired by alcohol, marijuana or other drugs,” police said in a post.
Manitoulin Partners for Water Safety works with several Manitoulin Island municipalities, the OPP, Assiginak Family Health Team, Munamozawin Health Services, and Manitoulin Sudbury DSB to improve water safety on Manitoulin Island. Emergency Medical Services, MNRF, and PHSD are working together.
For more information about water safety, visit phsd.ca/safety or call Sudbury and District Public Health toll-free at 1-866-522-9200.
