Dangers of cold water

Toronto Police Service News Release

Water safety message from the Toronto Police Marine Unit, Dangers of cold water

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 - 2:09 PM
Marine:  416-808-5821

With the last weekend of summer officially over, and our first weekend of fall approaching, the Toronto Police Marine Unit would like to remind everyone about water and boating safety.

At this time of the year, people spending time on our lake and/or on our waterfronts should remember to always respect the water and all the potential dangers. Cold-water immersion can be a serious threat and must always be a consideration at this time of year. Hypothermia due to exposure can also be a factor and it can happen faster to someone than anticipated.

We always recommend wearing a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device to avoid any tragedy when involved in water-related activities. But we also recommend, this time of the year, some type of exposure suit, i.e. a floater suit or dry suit, for protection from the elements. It is the law to have life jackets and/or PFDs on board our vessels or crafts but it is also recommended to have them on because they are only effective if they are worn.

With all the different activities, such as sailing, fishing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kite-boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and jet-skiing, it is important to remember that everyone has the obligation not only to obey the laws, but to also to protect themselves and think of safety first. We all have the right to a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

Water safety is a shared responsibility between those using the waterfront and members of the Marine Unit who police them. Help us do our job by understanding that cold water is a serious danger and that we are now facing colder weather. Please have the right equipment on the water and use it accordingly to avoid misfortune. Remember, the best protection you can give yourself on the water is to wear your lifejacket.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Richard Baker, Marine