Hi everyone! We hit some high temperatures earlier in the week – feels like summer has actually arrived, right? I’m sure there were many people trying to cool off in various ways – one being swimming.
There’s nothing like that first plunge into cold water on a hot day. Being submerged takes your breath away for a few seconds as you fling your arms and legs around to keep afloat, but then your body becomes used to it and you begin to enjoy the freedom of swimming. Of course, we need to be safe in and around the water at all times. We must be sure the area is a designated swimming area and always check the depth before diving or jumping in. Lakes, ocean beaches and recreational areas have swimming areas clearly marked but most do not have a lifeguard on duty. Always swim with a buddy and be sure not to swim out of your comfort zone. Swim parallel to land and look around for obstacles you may bump into or get tangled up in such as logs, debris, seaweed or other floaty things.
On average, there are 38 near-drowning cases and 76 deaths caused by drowning per year in B.C., so be extra careful out there. During hot weather, people are enticed into the water, which is refreshing and great exercise, so let’s be responsible and safe while enjoying one of the best ways to cool down.
Although not a “happening in Halfmoon Bay,” I felt that this work done by some volunteers with the Sargeant Bay Society (SBS) was worth mentioning. Here is some information shared in a recent newsletter from SBS president Rand Rudland:
“As part of the commitment of the Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) to wetland recovery in the Phare Lake area, the SCCF partnered with the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project (SCWP) to undertake a wetland reclamation project in the small wetland at the junction of the mine road and the Phare Lake access road.
“Over 2,000 shrubs, trees, grass and reed plugs were planted along the water’s edge and in the immediate upland to the pond. Nest boxes for swallows and bats were installed on posts in the middle of the pond, the posts having been erected by an excavator that had made small islands for bird nesting habitat.
“Shovels, picks, and a modicum of sweat saw the job completed by the eight SBS volunteers and three SCWP staff over a two-day period. The encouraging result of all this hard work was soon realized, as tree swallows and violet-green swallows were soon observed feeding in the area over the pond and entering the nest boxes.”
How awesome is this? Another demonstration of volunteers working together to enhance, restore and preserve this beautiful place for flora, fauna and humans to enjoy. Thank-you to Rand, the Sargeant Bay Society, SSCF, SCWP and everyone who volunteered their precious time for such a worthy endeavour.
To have your say at the Bay, please contact me before 5 p.m. on Mondays. [email protected].
Be kind, be gentle, be safe.
