With the increased use of Recreational Sites in the way of lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and other bodies of water, for activities such as boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing and scuba diving, as well as in the surrounding areas of these waters including hunting, hiking and camping, it is possible we will have more tragedies involving water. We as members of the Northern Alberta Aquatic Rescue Society will continue to strive to prevent these types of tragedies through a public education program in the future, but need to be prepared in case a situation occurs.

SOME IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES TO REMEMBER

• IF YOU BOAT, MAKE SURE YOU FLOAT

• ALWAYS WEAR AN APPROVED LIFE JACKET WHEN ON THE WATER, OR HAVE A POSSIBLITY OF FALLING INTO WATER. Most of our callouts are from individuals who never intended to enter the water yet accidently did. Most also knew how to swim.

• ALCOHOL AND BOATING OR SWIMMING ARE A DANGEROUS COMBINATION ALCOHOL IS INVOLVED IN ABOUT 50% OF ACCIDENTAL DROWNING.

• THERE IS NO SAFE ICE ON RIVERS AND LAKES. THE ONLY SAFE ICE IS IN YOUR DRINKING GLASS.

• ALWAYS WEAR AN APPROVED LIFE JACKET AND ICE AWLS IF YOU ARE ON ICE. If you should fall through the ice the life jacket will provide bouyancy, and the ice awls (a pair of small dowels with a pointed metal tip) can be used to help get you out of the hole in the ice. You must work quickly to get out of the water and to a warm dry place before the effects of hypothermia take over. Always measure the depth of ice first. Always travel with another person, he/she may safe your life. If someone has gone through the ice you must be careful not to become a victim yourself. Ice Rescue requires special equipment and training.

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