Staying safe in the water was the name of the game on Sunday afternoon, as the Lifesaving Society and local emergency services held an event at Boundary Dam to teach youth.

"They put on a Water Safety Awareness Course for a lot of younger individuals, as well as some of our new Canadian citizens to make sure that they are using proper swimming technique and whatnot, to increase the awareness of safety when people are using the beaches," explained Fire Chief Dale Feser.

"It went very well. We were approached by the Society to see if we could partake in this, and actually bring some of our rescue response vehicles out when it comes to water. We had one of our utility trucks on scene, with four firefighters as well as our Zodiac rescue boat and some of the equipment that we wear."

"There were approximately a dozen younger individuals, ranging anywhere from the ages of 14 down to 8. They took some brief orientation from the Lifesaving Society then came over to our station, where we gave them a tour of our boat. They got to try on some of the equipment, and RCMP were out there as well to lend some more advice as to what to do when you find yourself in an emergency situation," he added.

"It was really great to interact with the younger kids to make sure that they know what to do when they do find themselves at risk, ensuring that they set their ego aside and calling for help as soon as possible. That way somebody can see that they need help, phone 911 and try to do some lifesaving efforts while we're en route."

Feser noted that, as summer rolls in, people will be wanting to get out and enjoy it, including on the beaches. He said that they want to make sure that they are heeding the swimming areas and buoys.

"Of course, anybody who has been out to Boundary Dam beach understands that there is a very significant, sharp drop off into some deeper water, so you want to ensure that you are a fairly strong swimmer, or wearing some sort of life jacket. That way a person doesn't find themselves tuckered out from swimming."

He expressed that you should still recognize the old adages, such as not eating or drinking for about an hour before going into the water.

The Fire Chief also noted that the occasion was timely, especially as the one year anniversary of 2016's drowning death at Boundary Dam draws near.

"This Course is something that is held right across the province, but it definitely helps us get the message out there to make sure that people are indeed swimming safely in recreational areas.