(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment is urging parents and caregivers of young children to be vigilant in ensuring they remain safe this summer.
Youngsters love to explore. Open water, back yard pools and warm summer weather are just the right ingredients to cause them to respond to their urge to explore their surroundings. Often times these explorations can put them in harm’s way near open water, at or near roadways or around heavy equipment where they can be severely injured or killed as we have seen over the course of the past couple weeks.
Parental and/or responsible adult supervision is required whenever youngsters are engaging in activity that puts them in situations that may challenge their safety. Nothing can substitute for hands-on supervision and direction. The OPP strongly urges parents or caregivers to always ensure youngsters who are identified as weak or non-swimmers, always wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device when at or near open bodies of waters and back yard pools. It is also imperative that youngsters protect their heads and bodies by wearing a helmet and protective clothing whenever they are cycling, skateboarding or engaging in other similar challenging forms of entertainment.
Summer is supposed to be an opportunity to create lasting memories. Young people depend on caregivers for direction and support in making wise choices about their safety. “Safety is as simple as ABC – Always Be Careful.!â€Â, Constable Ed Sanhuk, Norfolk County OPP.