Page 13 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 113

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #113 June 2022 13

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Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

By Wayne Markell, Deputy Chief

“In a Heartbeat”

In Cornwall and the United Counties of SD&G, we are blessed to have many opportunities to enjoy water-related activities. That
season is once again upon us and far too often, in our excitement to get outside into the warmth of late spring and early summer, we drop our guard
and a day of fun takes a sudden and drastic turn. Drowning research and prevention activities have typically focused on fatal drowning numbers.
That is quite understandable, but it doesn’t portray the whole story. There are many more incidents that are non-fatal each year and as we begin to
learn more, the full scope of that issue is concerning. The two most common recreational activities that lead to water-related fatalities is swimming and
boating (powerboat, canoe, and kayak).
The Lifesaving Society of Ontario reports that for every death due to drowning, there are nearly four non-fatal drownings that require an emergency room visit.
Each year in Ontario, there’s an average of 152 fatal drowning events, and 543 emergency room visits and 95 hospital admissions due to non-fatal drowning events. Although
the highest fatal drowning rates in Ontario involve older adults (>50yrs), the rates for ED visits and hospitalisation due to non-fatal drownings are much higher in our youth
(<20yrs). Non-fatal drowning events carries the potential to cause life-long injury patterns due to the brain being deprived of oxygen. Prevention is key, if you are with children,
keep them within arms length and remain alert for as long as they are in or around the water. Make sure that pool access gates are properly installed and automatically close
to limit any possibility of a child wandering too close. Please don’t drink and boat - it carries the same legal risks as drinking and driving and the same risks to health as well.
The paramedics of Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services are urging you to know the risk, learn to swim, take a boater safety course, wear approved floatation devices, enjoy
alcohol beverages on a deck (not a dock), and always swim with a buddy to ensure your water-related activity season is filled with laughter and wonderful memories. Stay safe!

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

Cruising the waves of the St. Lawrence River in the summer months can be a lot of fun — if you’re safe, that is.
In addition to your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you are required by law to carry marine safety equipment when riding your boat. What does this
equipment look like?
For starters, you should have approved flotation devices or lifejackets of appropriate sizes for each passenger on board. Depending on the size of
your boat, you could require some of the following: a buoyant heaving line of at least 15 meters in length, a watertight flashlight or approved flares,
a sound-signaling device, a manual propelling device or a paddle, a bailer, and a class 5 BC fire extinguisher. For all requirements, see Transport
Canada’s website.
That might sound like a lot of items but staying safe is sure worth it — trust me.
And don’t even think of drinking and boating. Drinking or using drugs while boating is just as illegal as driving when impaired.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, alcohol is a factor in over 40 % of recreational boating fatalities. Alcohol can not only diminish your judgement and ability to process
information — it can also slow your reaction ad reflex response time as well as accelerate hypothermia.
What’s more, alcohol consumption can disturb the inner ear and thus reduce your ability to distinguish the water surface if you were to fall in it. Bet you didn’t know that
last fact!
Lastly, before you take to the water, you should always run through a pre-departure checklist which should include inspecting your boat for any damage or loose fittings.
You can download a free pre-departure checklist by visiting the Canadian Red Cross website.
As always, keep an eye out for the weather forecast. Weather can change quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck on the river during a thunderstorm.
Happy boating!