The Heritage Day long weekend turned out to be a tragic one on the province’s waterways.
Mounties are offering a number of water safety tips after two people died in unrelated incidents in the Slave Lake and Bonnyville areas of Alberta.
Police note that it is important to understand the potential hazards and take extra precautions when your are in close proximity to water.
Tips recommended by the Canadian Red Cross for swimmers and boaters include having a plan before you head out on the water, and be prepared for any possible weather changes or emergencies.
Whenever possible, swim with a buddy and children should be with an adult. Police say water toys of any size are not a substitute for adult supervision.
RCMP say to know the swimming area, and be aware of sudden drop offs to deep water.
Non-swimmers should wear a lifejacket at all times. Police mention that when it comes to lifejackets, keeping one close isn’t close enough. Choose to wear your lifejacket, and make every water activity a safe one.
For more tips on water safety go online to redcross.ca.