Medicine Hat's fire chief says wearing a proper-fitting life jacket is important for water safety. Catalinus/Dreamstime.com

By Jesse Gill

WHAT TO KNOW

Life jackets an important part of river safety, Medicine Hat fire chief says

Jul 20, 2024 | 4:00 AM

With warm temperatures upon us, there is a desire to stay cool, and floating in lakes, ponds and rivers is one option.

Douglas Gill, deputy fire chief with the city, said it’s important to be wearing a proper-fitting life jacket that supports your weight, especially if the river current catches you.

“That’s the one thing that’s really going to save your life,” Gill said.

“Every year, approximately 350 Canadians drown on open water just due to accidents, getting caught in weather. All of those things come into play and are a factor, and you really need to be preventing those by wearing a life jacket.”

Gill adds it’s important during the heat to wear sunscreen, a hat, have lots of liquids for hydration and make sure someone knows where you’re going to be if you’re on the river.

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Having a cell phone in a waterproof pouch will also allow you to get a hold of someone if you end up on a shore not near a road.

It is also important to float on something built for the river conditions.

“If you’ve got an inflatable and you’re going to be on the river, let’s make sure that it’s a high quality inflatable, made for the outdoor activity that you’re using it for,” Gill said.

“The last thing you want to do is get out in the middle of the river on your dinosaur, which is typically made for a pool, and then something happens, specifically if you’re not wearing a flotation device.”

River safety information is available on the City of Medicine Hat website under community safety and supports.