Friday, March 21, 2003

The Sault detachment of the O.P.P. has had a very quiet twenty-four hour period and has nothing to report.

Senior constable Bill Mackan has the following "spring" tips:

KIDS + WATER + TIME = TROUBLE
Sault Ste Marie, Ont.,

Today is the first day of spring. The weather this past week has been exceptional to assist in reducing the snow that Mother Nature sent us all winter.

Many people throughout Northern Ontario are looking forward to the end of winter and the start of the warmer weather. Unfortunately the spring run off also presents everyone with an annual problem that deserves a reminder for anyone that cares for children.

Anyone that has cared for a child for even just one hour realizes the enormous gravitation that children have toward water. Ditches, creeks, rivers and lakes are now open or opening up. The fast running water is an instant attraction to children of all ages. Parents and caregivers are reminded that this water is still very cold and is just above the freezing mark. Anyone, young or old, that is exposed to this cold water faces the chances of hypothermia at a rate of 25 times greater than warmer water.

Creeks, rivers and ditches that are normally dry or have little water flow can quickly turn into ice cold fast flowing death traps. These normally tranquil bodies of water can fool anyone and carry a person many miles down stream.

People of all ages often stop at these creeks rivers and streams to view the power and the change in the water levels. Take some time today or tomorrow to reinforce to the younger people around you of the danger that these natural spring time wonders could and do present to an innocent and unsuspecting youngster.

Parents and caregivers cannot supervise your tiny companions every second of every day. Now is the time of the year that they can wander the neighbourhoods without the bundles of winter clothing hindering there exploring techniques and abilities.

Be aware of where your children are now and where they may wander off to. If you have any dangerous water flow in your immediate area educate your children on the dangers that are always present around these marvels of nature.

Supervision, education and knowledge of the dangers, yet beauty, that nature does present to your child may just be the missing element needed to ensure a your child lives to also become a parent.