Lifeguard Hours at Municipal Beaches Extended during Heat Warning
For Immediate Release
Friday, July 22, 2016
The Sudbury & District Health Unit has declared a Heat Warning for residents of Greater Sudbury. The warning was issued because the humidex is expected to reach 36 or higher over the next two days.
The City of Greater Sudbury is extending the hours of lifeguard supervision at municipal beaches. The regular schedule for lifeguard supervision is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Starting today, Friday, July 22, lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. up to and including Saturday, July 23, 2016.
The following municipal beaches have lifeguard supervision. Parents are reminded that children should always be accompanied by an adult and older children should always "swim with a buddy" for greater safety.
.Bell Park Main Beach, off Elizabeth Street, Sudbury
.Capreol Public Beach, off Lakeshore Street, Capreol
.Kalmo Beach, off Kalmo Beach Road, Val Caron
.Moonlight Beach, off Moonlight Beach Road, Sudbury
.Nepahwin Park Beach, off Paris Street, Sudbury
.Meatbird Lake Park, off M.R. 24, Lively
.Whitewater Lake Park, off Laurier St. W., Azilda.
Those wishing to cool off are also encouraged to visit one of eight splash pads located throughout the city. Splash pads are located at
Côté Park - Côté Avenue/Fitzgerald Street, Chelmsford
Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre - 4040 Elmview Drive, Valley East
Kinsmen Sports Complex - 1 Mikkola Road, Walden
Memorial Park - 1 Brady Street, Sudbury
O'Connor Playground - 140 St. George Street, Sudbury
Ridegecrest Playground- 1437 Roy Avenue, Sudbury
Victory Park - Frood Road/Shevchenko Avenue
Westmount Playground- 109 Kipling Court, Sudbury
Exposure to high heat can lead to illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and in severe cases, death. The signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, weakness or fainting, more tiredness than usual, headache, and confusion. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional, friend, or family member for help. In emergencies, call 911.
Preventing heat-related illness:
. Check in at least once a day on family, friends, and neighbours who may have difficulty dealing with the heat.
. Stay cool by wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing.
. Drink lots of water and 100 per cent natural juices, and avoid drinks made with alcohol or caffeine.
. Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
. Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler.
. Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
. Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels.
. Take lots of rest breaks, preferably in the shade or in an air-conditioned area such as a library, community centre, shopping mall, or a cooler area of your building.
. Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
. Place a dish of ice cubes in front of your electric fan. It has a cooling effect.
The people most at risk for developing heat-related illnesses during periods of hot, humid weather include the very young, seniors, people who exercise vigorously or who are involved in strenuous work outdoors for prolonged periods, and people with chronic illnesses.
For more information or to learn about the hot weather response plans, please call your local municipal office or contact the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 464, toll-free 1.866.522.9200, or visit www.sdhu.com.
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