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The Halifax Regional Municipality is reminding boaters and swimmers to always check weather conditions and forecasts before hitting the water.
While the direct effects of Hurricane Gert are not expected to hit the municipality, higher than normal waves are anticipated later today and tomorrow.
Environment Canada’s latest public alert for Gert says long period swells from Gert will affect south facing coastlines of Atlantic Canada.
That means swells as high as two metres (6.5-feet) could impact beaches along the municipality’s coastline.
These swells could also lead to dangerous rip currents.
The following are some helpful tips for anyone spending time around the water this summer:
- Know your swimming limits. If you don’t know how to swim, or are a weak swimmer, sign up for our free lessons
- Always swim with a buddy in supervised areas
- Adults should never leave children unsupervised in the water. There should be one adult for every three children under the age of 6, or one adult for every six children who are six or 7-years-old
- Avoid relying on flotation devices such as rafts, water noodles, or water wings
- Understand the “terrible too’s”. Avoid swimming if you’re too tired, too cold, had too much sun, too much strenuous activity, or are too far from shore
- Avoid diving in unfamiliar or shallow water, which can lead to serious spinal cord injuries