Water safety

Each year thousands of visitors enjoy the lakes and rivers of Prince Albert National Park. From canoeing and stand-up-paddle boarding to fishing and wakeboarding, there is a huge variety of ways to spend a day at the lake. Escape the busy beach and make the most of every water adventure by carrying essential safety equipment as required by Transport Canada including an approved personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket.

Safety is a shared responsibility. Understanding water safety can help stop an emergency. Take the following steps to ensure each adventure on the water is a safe one.

Before your trip:

• Complete a pre-departure checklist and take a boating safety course to learn how to operate watercrafts safely.
• Share a trip plan with family or friends, know how to use your equipment and how to troubleshoot so minor problems don’t turn into emergencies
• Check the weather before you leave shore and prepare for the unexpected – strong winds can turn a lake from serene to dangerous quickly.

While you’re on the water:

• Always wear a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) properly. Lifejackets are like seat belts – they only work if you wear them, and wear them properly.
• Carry a sound signalling device such as a whistle.
• Stay close to shore and use pleasure crafts at own risk. Beaches and open water are not patrolled.
• Be self-reliant and prepared to self-rescue should any boat, canoe or kayak capsize. Help may not be nearby.

Remember:

• Strong winds can develop rapidly on large lakes such as Waskesiu, Kingsmere and Crean. Waves can quickly overwhelm canoes, kayaks and small boats. Plan crossings early in the day whenever possible and avoid travelling in deteriorating conditions.
• Do not rely on cell phones. Coverage is not always available in Prince Albert National Park and they can stop working after contact with water.
• For the safety of swimmers, the use of boats and canoes is not allowed in buoyed swimming areas.

Swimming safety

The large lakes in Prince Albert National Park become ice-free about the middle to end of May but the lakes can be cold, even in the summer.
Remember, there are no lifeguards on duty. Beaches are unsupervised and swimming in these areas is at your own risk. Swimming skills and approved personal floatation devices are not always enough to save a life. Even someone who knows how to swim are at risk for drowning. Often drowning incidents involve other factors beyond swimming ability.

When swimming, be aware of the following:

• Wear a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). It is highly encouraged for children and weak swimmers.
• Keep children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult in and around water. Children and weak swimmers need constant supervision when they are on or around water.
• Lakes or ponds may be shallow near the bank, but can increase in depth quickly.
• Watch out for hazards in the water, such as weeds and grass that can entangle a leg or arm, sharp rocks, waves and strong wind.
• Wear foot protection such as aqua socks or water shoes as hazards may be present in the water.
• Keep off and out of the water when there is lightning.