Red Cross says put safety first this long weekend

Because injury is no accident

Long weekends can mean boating trips, camping, swimming and fun in the sun. While all these activities create lasting summer memories, they all share the potential for injury. If you’re heading out to the lake this weekend – or just relaxing at home - the Canadian Red Cross asks you to consider these important safety tips.

Avoid water-related injuries:

• Boat smart! Always wear your lifejacket or personal flotation device;
• Water and alcohol don’t mix. Don’t drink while swimming or boating;
• Ensure home pools are fenced (not just around the property) and the gate access is fitted with a self-closing and self-latching mechanism;
• Supervision of children is the key, whether at home or on vacation. If you head to a cottage by a lake, or even your local pool, adult supervision is the best protection for children – even those who can swim;

On average, about 400 Canadians drown each year. A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) says children under age 5 are at the highest risk of drowning, and Red Cross drowning research shows that the vast majority (85%) of water-related fatalities are male. However, everyone should be cautious around the water.

Each year, Canadian Red Cross trains more than one million Canadians to be safe around water. To learn more about safety and Red Cross training, call 1-888-307-7997, visit http://www.redcross.ca/, or stop by your local Red Cross office.

Beat the heat

With temperatures forecasted to climb across Canada, and the UV index increasing, many people will be spending time outdoors basking in the sunlight. While fun in the sun may seem harmless, too much time spent in direct sunlight is certainly not ‘cool’ for your health. Red Cross would like to offer some tips to help you “beat the heat” this long weekend:

• Dress in light, loose clothing. Wear a hat. Apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen (such as L'Oréal's Ombrelle lotions) to exposed skin;
• Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day. If you must go out, try going out in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong;
• Slow down activities that make you hot. Work and exercise in brief periods. Take frequent breaks;
• Drink plenty of cool fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol;
• Don't leave children or animals unattended in the car, even for a few minutes.

Before you head out this weekend, leave yourself a note to sign up for training. Getting trained could reduce your own chances of being injured by as much as 40%:

• Get the kids into Red Cross Swim, the new learn-to-swim program;
• Sign up for Red Cross First Aid classes or recertify your current skills;
• Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card through Red Cross On Board training;

“The fact is that most injuries and drownings are largely preventable,” says Yvan Charlifour, National Director, Injury Prevention. “Knowing and following some basic safety principles will help ensure that your summer is healthy and safe.”

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Media Contact:
Suzanne Charest
Communication Manager
Cel: 613-222-6196

Posted July 29, 2005