Provincial police are sounding the alarm over people heading out onto waterways without first putting on a life jacket.
West Region OPP took to social media to share concern over the potentially fatal oversight. This week alone, there have been two drownings in midwestern Ontario. The first happened on a farm near Southgate Road 26 near Proton Station on Sunday. A four-year-old drowned while swimming in a pond with family. A day later, a 32-year-old man drowned in Lake Huron near Howdenvale when his canoe overturned.
Sergeant Ed Sanchuk said the two tragedies highlight the importance of wearing a properly fitted life jacket.
"Regardless if you are going swimming in a pond, in lake, in a pool, in a stream or where ever you may be, please do us a favour, please wear a life jacket because it will save your life," said Sanchuk.
He noted that in addition to officers in Grey-Bruce, police in Wellington, Lambton, and Elgin counties have also had to notify "too many" families this summer about the death of their loved ones.
"This is a great opportunity to sit down with your family members and talk about water safety," said Sanchuck. "Making sure that your kids and adults always put their safety as a priority each and every time they go out into the water."
Unlike how they are depicted in movies, drownings happen quickly and silently. That is why life jackets are considered essential for everyone near open water and are especially critical for children and weak swimmers.
Wednesday marks the start of National Drowning Prevention week, which runs until July 22. More information about ways to stay safe while on the water can be found on the Life Saving Society website at lifesaving.ca.