The City of Elliot Lake lifeguards are issuing a warning for parents to keep a close eye on their children following a near-drowning.
Dustin Whyte, Elliot Lake’s Chief Lifeguard, says last Thursday night two young swimmers were in distress at Spruce Beach.
He adds fortunately, lifeguards were still on site and were able to rescue one of the teens who was there without supervision.
Whyte says he followed up by suggesting the young man go to hospital for a check-up and spoke to his parents to ensure that they were aware of the situation.
He adds the incident occurred just a few minutes before the lifeguards were going off duty and the outcome may have been very different without his staff being in place.
The city posted on its site for parents to be aware that supervision is important and there are swim programs available to help increase safety when swimming, especially for youngsters.
Whyte reminds parents of children who cannot swim that they should be supervised in or near the water, should use a personal flotation device and that they should enroll in a learn to swim program.
The city’s free Swim to Survive lessons are available and are seeing good enrolment. For information call 705-261-4446.