Hot weather puts focus on water safety

Aug 3, 2016 | 4:52 PM

KAMLOOPS — As the weather heats up, more and more Kamloops residents will be flocking to the water. Whether it’s the pools located around the city, the many lakes in the ara, or the beach at Riverside Park, it’s important for swimmers to stay safe when in and around the water.

CFJC Today caught up with City of Kamloops Aquatics Programs Supervisor, Heidi Ogilvie, at the busy Brock Pool, to get some tips on water safety.

“Supervision is the key point in drowning prevention,” Ogilvie explained. “It only takes a second for [small children] to get away from you.” She says it’s important to keep young kids at arms length, when you’re in the water, so you can ensure their safety.

Kamloops has plenty of quality optiosn when it comes to swimming in the city: Brock Pool, the new McDonald Splash Park, and the TCC Canada Games pool are all great and safe ways to chill out in the water. If you decide to go down to the river, or head out to an area lake, Ogilvie suggests checking out the swimming area before you dive in.

“If you turn to the river or lakes, you really want to check the area before you go in the water,” she advised. “We’re lucky to have lifeguard services in Riverside Park… but if you choose to go in the river in other areas, the steep drop offs are really, really, really dangerous. They take you by surprise. All of a sudden you’re underwater and in a current.”

Taking some kind of floatation device can also keep you safe. Transport Canada approved PFD’s are the best option, Ogilvie explained. If you see someone in distress in the water, she says there’s better courses of action than jumping right in to help them.

“The best thing you can do is call out to someone… Let’s try and find something around that we can throw, or reach to them. The last resort is to enter the water to rescue someone.”