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Page 16 TERRACE BAY/SCHREIBER NEWS Wednesday, June 1, 1989 Summer safety sense By Dave Chmara The warm weather of summer brings many people into the out- doors to enjoy many activities. While boating, camping, hik- ing, swimming and biking are indeed enjoyable activities, there are some precautions that should be followed to have a safer sum- mer. Alcohol impairment is the cause of over half the fatalities and personal injuries in traffic and boating accidents. Fatal and personal injury collisions reach their peak in August with the increase in tourists and travellers. during the summer months. Six per cent of all accidents arc caused by drowning with over half occurring in home swimming pools. Over one per cent of acciden- tal poisonings are caused by ingesting spoiled food and poi- sonous plants. Here are some tips so you can have a safe and enjoyable sum- mer. Some perfumes and prescrip- tion drugs can cause sensitivity when combined with the sun's rays. Check with your doctor. Always wear the correct size Ministry of Transport (MOT/DOT) approved life jacket when boating, windsurfing, water skiing or fishing from a boat. . During lightning storms, seek shelter in buildings or low-lying areas, away from hilltops, trees and metal fences. Heed forestry fire hazard indexes. Contain campfires to designated areas, thoroughly extinguish and ensure ashes are cold. Keep bicycles in good mechanical condition. Ride defensively, wear CSA approved helmets, use hand signals and be prepared to yield the right of way. Carbon. monoxide is a silent killer. Ensure proper ventilation when using barbecues, kerosene and propane heaters. Be alert to the dangers of flammability. MORE AND MORE CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AGREE: RETAIL POSTAL OUTLETS OFFER. BETTER SERVICE FOR YOU. "IT'S A DEFINITE ADVANTAGE Jeff Scott, businessman, "Alma, Ontario Retail Postal Outlets across the country offer Canada Post customers more access to postal products and services. On average, hours of postal service operation ~ have more than doubled in communities where service has changed from a post office to a Retail Postal Outlet operated by local business. Thousands of rural Canadians can now purchase stamps or pick up mail in the evening or on weekends. '""WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THE SERVICE HERE."' Margaret Rickert, Area Councillor, Alma, Ontario Councillor Margaret Rickert says the Retail Postal Outlet established in her town, when postal services were converted to a local business, has had a positive impact on the community. "We need the service here and I think it's very well used." Canada Post Corporation is delivering on its promise. We're in rural Canada to stay. When camping, whether in a tent or trailer, before heading out make sure all camping gear is working properly. If hauling a trailer check your car's brakes, tires, hitches, horn and lights. Adjust mirrors for clear rear vision and practice turning, back- ing and parking away from traf- fic. It's a good idea to leave a copy of your vacation itinerary.-with someone. Carry a complete first aid kit and include extras such as water purifier, bee sting kit and poison ivy lotion. Check the campsite for haz- ards. Instruct children on places FOR US." MAIL POSTE Canada Post Corporation / Societe canadienne des postes Our commitment: better service for you. and things to avoid such as mov- ing vehicles, cliffs, wild animals, poison plants and berries. If skin is exposed to poisonous plants, use strong soap and water then rubbing alcohol. Wear shoes to protect against glass, sharp rocks and embers. To avoid attracting wild ani- mals, keep food locked in the car at night or hang.in-a-trec away from branches and your tent site. Don't feed the animals. Never swim alone. Listen to and heed weather forecasts before hiking or boating excursions. When boating, never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boats must be equipped The Department of Transport (DOT) requires that all boats under 18 feet in length be equipped with the following: - an approved Personal Flotation Device or approved life- jacket for each person aboard. - a bailing bucket or a manual pump. - 2 oars and oar-locks or 2 paddles (and a spare in a canoe). - an efficient sound signal (whistle). - aclass B1 fire extinguisher if -- the boat has an inboard motor, permanently fixed or built-in fuel tanks or a cooking or heating appliance that burns liquid or gaseous fuel. - navigation lights for opera- tion after dark. It's also wise to check the marine weather forecast and stay alert to quick changes. If a wind comes up or clouds darken the sky, it is safer to head for shore. If you must travel in stormy weather choose a route close to shore 'rather than across an open body of water. If your boat capsizes, stay with it. If the water is cold climb onto your craft or right it if possible and sit in it. ; Always leave a trip plan with someone on shore with your planned destination and approxi- mate time of arrival. When water skiing the tow boat must have two people on board - an operator and an observer. Learn and use the water ski signals and always stay away from other boats and swimming areas. The water skier must have good swimming skills and wear an approved PFD. Carry a complete first aid kit with you and include emergency supplies in a water proof contain- er such as: a change of clothing, flashlight, compass, matches, rope, knife, energy rations and non-alcoholic liquids. Attach keys to an object that can float so they won't be lost. Practice fire safety procedures when refuclling boats. Stop all engines, fans or devices likely to produce sparks. Extinguish all liquid or yascous fucl burning appliances. Do not smoke, light matches or flip switches while the tanks arc being filled. Keep seated in a boat. If changing places, kecp body posi- tion low and weight evenly dis- tributed over the centre of the boat.