By Safety First

Be ready and safe for summer

May 17, 2012 | 7:28 AM

The long weekend is but a few short days away. The kick off to a summer of fun at many lakes, beaches, trails and holiday spots in Prince Albert and area.

While those with a cottage might make their first trip north this May long weekend, others have already anxiously awaited the ice to disappear. While it likely won’t be too warm for swimming many will take to the water fishing or other water activities.

Thursday, May 17 is national life jacket day. Almost all drowning could have been prevented by wearing your life jacket. Not sitting on in the boat. Not storing in a compartment with the idea that if the boat tips I’ll have time to put it on. Not wondering if it still fits as you drive to the lake.

A bit of planning and the essential part of wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device every single time you get into a boat will save your life. The May long weekend starts summer off with the hope of a restful fun filled few months ahead. Don’t make it a tragic weekend because you or someone else in your boat failed to wear their life jacket.

Wear it every time you are on the water!

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Did you know that statistically you are three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision on a long weekend than any other time of the week?

Why? simply there are more of us trying to get a whole lot of places in the shortest amount of time. We are towing trailers, boats, changing CDs, talking on cell phones, listening to the words “are we there yet” and wondering if we can get there any faster.

This long weekend, don’t be a statistic; slow down give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going. Make sure you obey all the rules of the road. Is your vehicle in good running order? Do the lights work on the trailer? Are the kids and pets secured safely in the vehicle? These few questions should get you in the mind to not leave safety at home as you head to the lake for the May long weekend.

Planning for the weekend at the lake is like any event what to eat, what to do, where to stay but sometimes safety takes a back seat to the many weekend projects that need to be done around the cottage.

If using power tools such as circular or chain saws be sure you know what you are doing. Don’t remove protective guards. Read and follow all instructions. Wear the gear such as gloves, eye protection or maybe even a hard hat with removing larger trees. Keep children and pets away! Be sure all equipment is good working order before using it.

Whatever your plans are this May long weekend, keep in the back of your mind safety. Whether on the lake in a boat, driving a quad on the trails or commuting on the busy highways, obey the rules and have a wonderful May long weekend!

Lyle Karasiuk is the director of public affiars with Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert