Summer Water Safety

Ontario Parks offers some of the most spectacular swimming and canoeing in the province. But for all their beauty, the lakes of Ontario also pose dangers. Drowning is the third leasing cause of accidental death in Canada and it can happen to anyone.
While the number of drownings and water-related deaths in Canada has declined in the past decade, the Lifesaving Society believes that too many people are still dying unnecessarily. Unattended toddlers are at risk because they are mobile and naturally curious. They are also the least capable group of self rescue. If you are not within arm's reach of your children anytime they are around water, you have gone too far.

Many deaths could have been prevented if the victims were wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Ninety-five percent of all drowning victims in 1998 were not wearing a PFD, including 61% of canoeing drowning victims. Alcohol also plays a part in 36% of preventable water-related deaths.

To protect yourself, your friends and your family, please follow these simple water safety rules:
· Never swim alone
· Supervise children and have them wear a personal floatation device at all times when they are near water. PFDs are not a substitute for adult supervision. Adults should wear PFDs when ever they are involved in boating, windsurfing or other water sports.
· Learn to swim. Also learn prevention and self-rescue skills
· Only use inflatable rafts and water toys in shallow areas without strong currents.
· Protect your neck. Never dive into shallow water.
· Avoid alcohol beverages when involved in water related activities..

Park Smart PFD Loan Service

Visitors to Ontario parks can take part in a program that enables them to borrow a properly fitted PFD during their stay.

The ParkSmart PFD Loan Service is offered through a partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Coast Guard, Mustang Survival and Ontario Parks. For a $25 refundable deposit, visitors can borrow PFDs for themselves and their children. The aim of this program is to raise awareness of water safety and the importance of using PFDs.

Families with growing kids benefit most from the PFD Loan Service because they don't have to worry about getting a new or larger PFD each summer. The PFDs are new each year and are top quality products supplied by Mustang Survival, makers of PFDs. Fifty-three Ontario Parks participate in the ParkSmart PFD Loan Service. Check the list below for your favourite park.

Click here for Parks participating in the PFD loaner program.