A heroic Goderich man prevented a drowning over the weekend.
On Saturday, a seven year old girl was taken out on an inflatable toy by the current at the Rotary Cove Beach.
The child wasn’t wearing a life jacket, and neither her or her family were strong enough to get to her about 50 metres off the shoreline.
Thankfully a 20 year old Goderich man out for a walk saw what was happening and raced into the water and saved the girl.
Tips to keep safe out on the waterways can be found below:
- Never underestimate the power of currents. A boater, swimmer or wader in open water who underestimates the power of currents can be swept away instantly.
- Open water is very different than swimming in a pool – distance is deceiving, and you often have to contend with cold water, waves, currents, drop offs, sandbars, water visibility, undertows, and underwater obstacles.
- Always swim with a buddy and check the weather conditions before going into the water.
- Be aware of currents, water temperature, and depth when swimming in open water.
- Wind and waves frequently come up suddenly, posing a major threat for swimmers and boaters far from sheltered waters in lakes.
- Obey signs and signals (such as flags) posted on the beach which indicate whether the water is safe to enter.
- Lifejackets are like seat belts – they only work if you wear them, and wear them properly.
- It’s not enough to have a lifejacket on board. It is unrealistic and unsafe to assume that a boater will be able to retrieve and properly secure a flotation device while falling overboard, capsizing or colliding with another boat or object.
