After a series of drownings in Europe’s extraordinary heat wave, advocates are advising Canadians to prioritize safety this summer while advocating for increased public swimming access nationwide. France’s prime minister reported 40 drowning incidents in a short period as individuals sought relief from temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, with similar incidents in Germany during the heat wave. Canada is bracing for its own heat wave this week, with regions in Ontario and Quebec anticipating temperatures in the mid-30s.
Lenea Grace, the executive director of the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon, emphasized the hidden dangers of water bodies such as currents, undertows, and submerged obstacles like logs that pose risks not always apparent before entering. Grace highlighted the importance of not underestimating the hazards of unfamiliar water, even for strong swimmers accustomed to pools.
As of June 29, there have been 92 drownings in Canada this year, slightly lower than the same period last year but showing increases in British Columbia and Ontario. Grace recommended choosing swimming spots with lifeguards whenever possible, swimming in crowded areas, ensuring children are closely supervised, and wearing life jackets for inexperienced swimmers or boaters.
In Montreal, the Verdun borough mayor called for enhanced safety measures around water bodies following a recent drowning incident at Verdun Beach, the fourth fatality in over a year. Gregary Ford, vice-president of Swim Drink Fish, emphasized that heat waves drive more people outdoors, leading some to venture into public waters for the first time. The organization’s Blue Flag program certifies 13 beaches in Canada meeting stringent criteria for environmental education, water quality, management, and safety services.
Ford highlighted the cooling benefits of “blue spaces,” emphasizing the need for communities to access natural water bodies safely amid rising global temperatures. Matthew Sykes, co-founder of the Swimmable Cities Initiative, noted a growing demand for swimming infrastructure in cities and emphasized the shift towards creating “swimmable cities.”
Bacteria poses a significant challenge to public swimming safety, with Swim Drink Fish’s Swim Guide providing real-time information on water cleanliness across Canada and globally. Lynn Wharram, leading Surfrider South Vancouver Island’s Blue Water Task Force, emphasized the risks of bacteria contamination, especially after heavy rainfall or in stagnant waters. She highlighted the increasing threat of blue-green algae in lakes due to warming temperatures and runoff pollution.
Technological innovations are being explored to restore swimmability to polluted water bodies, such as Vancouver Island’s oxygenation system at Elk/Beaver Lake. Wharram cautioned against risky behaviors like cliff jumping and swimming too far from shore, particularly during hot weather when heat exhaustion can quickly set in.
Overall, the focus remains on promoting safe swimming practices, enhancing water access, and safeguarding public health amid the challenges posed by heat waves and water pollution.