Sunday 8 November 2009

Water safety

Truth be told, the water is rather chilly these days. Yet boaters continue to go out without safety gear.

I noticed these guy crossing the lake, sans life jackets.

Now, I would not swear to it, but it appears as if the guy is drinking a beer. But I could be wrong. I don't know what is on his barge, but they are large plastic containers and they appear heavy.

In 2007, on our small lake, a 60-year old man with mental health issues stayed alone in the water for a swim. His aunt (with issues of her own)  had left him alone to make dinner. She did not think to report him missing. No one found him for three days. I pity the person that found him. 


On May 23, 2008, a 90 year old man went to sort out his dock in the high, cold, spring water. The police report says the empty canoe was found 2 km away, his body 100 m from the canoe. His wife of 65 years in marriage, alone and, no doubt, bereft. 


Here is Jess on our October Thanksgiving (2007). It was a brisk swim.

This morning there was ice on the shallow frog pond. The minnows are still out and about in the pond, most of the water creatures are sleeping, dreaming of spring.

If you look closely, you can see the minnow's circular ripples in the water after it broke the surface.






The video (below) demonstrates the danger involved in such a risky event. Shout Out to Powell River Books for the pertinent post, and the YouTube link.

Be careful out there.






2 comments:

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

People get plenty stupid around water. Years ago I lived within a mile of the closest large lake to Houston, Texas. I stayed off the water on the weekends. Too much drinking, congestion, and anger to have a good time.
I knew lots of people killed on the water.

Gaelyn said...

Who would want to intentionaly, or otherwise, go swimming in such cold water? Crazy, I think.