Water Safety Urged During National Drowning Prevention Week

Lambton Public Health is underlining the importance of being "waterwise" as part of National Drowning Prevention Week. Health Promoter Kelley Elliott says undertows and rip currents are very powerful in the Great Lakes and can quickly become fatal. "If it's a wavy day, it's best to stay out of the water because of the potential for undertow, you could be pulled under the water briefly," says Elliott. "Also on wavy days you have a higher risk of a rip current which is a type of current that's near the shore and can pull you out into the lake." Elliott says if you're caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore. Once you're out of the rip current, swim at an angle away from it and head toward shore. Elliott says the message is especially important for men, as 80 per cent of drownings in Ontario are males. She says wearing a personal floatation device is the best way to stay safe near water. They can be borrowed for free at Canatara Park beach and the main beach at Grand Bend.