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Water Safety

  Your Health / Injury Prevention / Water Safety

*As of Monday, December 20, 2021 – All Ontarians 18+ Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Appointments at Three-Month Interval

*For Information about Vaccines (eligibility, clinic schedule, stats and much more)

*GBHU does not supply COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits – we do not keep an up to date list of vendors or locations where public can access these tests, as information changes frequently. Please visit: I think I have COVID-19 What do I do? (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca) for more information.

*Ontario:A plan to safely reopen Ontario and manage COVID-19 for the long-term

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* Electronic/Printable Vaccine Receipt

News and Media and Important Updates

* Sexual health clinics are closed temporarily. If you need birth control prescriptions or STI testing, go to nearest emergency room. For condoms, visit our office during regular hours.

Water Safety

 

Tips for your next beach/lake visit

Southampton Beach at Sunset

  1. Wear sunscreen, and reapply as required (follow manufacturers instructions)
  2. Bring drinking water & sunglasses
  3. Swim Smart - swim with a buddy, be aware of the water depth, waves/currents and temperature
  4. Actively supervise children
  5. Bring your lifejacket/PFD 
  6. Consider taking CPR, First Aid, swimming lessons or a Swim to Survive program before your next trip

For more beach safety tips go to The Canadian Red Cross

 

Water Safety E-Newsletter 2019

 

What is the difference between a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and a Lifejacket? … and what about Puddle Jumpers?

PFD, Life jacket, Puddle Jumper

  • A lifejacket will turn a person over from face-down to face-up, even if they are unconscious
    • Lifejackets are more buoyant than PFDs and are the best choice for weak swimmers
  • A personal floatation device (PFD) will keep a person floating, but not necessarily face-up
    • A PFD is generally less bulky and more comfortable than a lifejacket, allowing for greater movement
  • Unlike lifejackets and PFDs, puddle jumpers are not approved by Transport Canada and are not suitable for boating use

Look for a lifejacket or PFD with a label that says the device has been approved by any of the organizations below:

  • Transport Canada
  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Check this link for more info on Lifejackets and PFDs - Canadian Red Cross

Canadian Drowning Prevention Plan

Canadian Drowning Prevention Plan, 8th Edition (May 2021) (lifesavingsociety.com)

 

Winter Water Safety

Going to be on the ice this Winter? Whether you are planning to snowshoe, cross-country ski, skate, snowmobile or ice fish here are some tips to stay safe: 

  • Be ice smart- Know the ice thickness before you head out, avoid travelling on ice at night, avoid slushy or recently refrozen ice, go with a buddy and let someone know your route and expected return time, bring proper equipment like a lifejacket/PFD and first aid kit
  • Before going out onto the ice, know what to do if you break through What you need to know if you fall through the ice - Canadian Red Cross Blog

Thin Ice Poster

 Ice Thickness - ! Thin Ice Poster (lifesavingsociety.com)

 

 

For Snowmobiling tips: Snowmobiling on ice - Canadian Red Cross

 

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