How to stay safe when swimming in rivers and lakes during a heat wave

Health and safety advocates are warning Canadians to be careful when swimming in rivers, lakes, and other open water as hot weather drives more people to seek relief outdoors. The guidance comes as Ontario and Quebec face a heat wave and after multiple drowning deaths were reported in Europe during extreme temperatures. Experts say open water can be dangerous even for strong swimmers because of currents, undertows, hidden debris, and changing conditions. They recommend choosing supervised areas when possible, swimming with other people nearby, keeping young children within arm’s reach, and wearing a life jacket if you are boating or unsure of your swimming ability. Water quality is another concern. Groups that monitor public swimming sites say bacteria, runoff after heavy rain, stagnant water, and bluegreen algae can make some locations unsafe. They advise checking local swim guides and avoiding areas where warnings are posted. Advocates are also calling for more safe, accessible public swimming spaces as cities adapt to hotter summers.