As a heat wave brings high temperatures to parts of Canada, particularly Ontario and Quebec where temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius, safety advocates and public health experts are urging caution for people seeking relief in rivers, lakes, and other natural bodies of water.

The warning follows a series of drowning incidents in Europe during an extreme heat wave, where dozens of people lost their lives while attempting to cool off in unsafe swimming conditions.

In Canada, the Lifesaving Society reports 92 drowning deaths so far this year, with increases noted in some provinces including British Columbia and Ontario.Experts emphasize that natural water environments can be unpredictable and dangerous, even for confident swimmers.

Hazards include strong currents, undertows, submerged debris such as logs, sudden depth changes, and cold-water shock, all of which can overwhelm swimmers unexpectedly.Safety specialists recommend swimming only in designated areas with lifeguards when possible.If lifeguards are not present, individuals should choose locations where other people are nearby and avoid isolated water spots.Caregivers are advised to maintain constant supervision of children, keeping them within arm’s reach in or near water.People engaging in boating or those who are not strong swimmers are strongly encouraged to wear lifejackets at all times.

The article also highlights broader concerns about access to safe public swimming spaces, as organizations such as Swim Drink Fish and Swimmable Cities advocate for increased “blue space” infrastructure in urban areas.

These groups argue that accessible, well-managed natural swimming areas can help communities cope with rising temperatures due to climate change, but only if proper safety, water quality monitoring, and environmental management systems are in place.

Additional concerns include water quality issues such as bacterial contamination after rainfall and the growing presence of blue-green algae in warmer lakes, which can pose health risks to swimmers.Experts encourage the use of tools like Swim Guide and Blue Flag beach listings to check water conditions before entering natural waters.