Water safety

A day kayak trip on the Hanging Heart Lakes or an overnight canoe adventure on the Kingsmere Lake can be a vacation highlight. Plan ahead to make the most of each paddling adventure. Carrying the essential safety items, filing a trip plan and being familiar with equipment will help prevent minor issues from becoming life threatening.

• Always wear a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when recreating on any water body.
• Stay close to shore and use pleasure crafts at own risk as beaches and open water are not patrolled.
• Be self-reliant and prepare to self-rescue should any boat, canoe or kayak capsize as help may not be immediately available. This includes wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD).
• Cellphone coverage varies by carrier and may not be available in remote areas of Prince Albert National Park. It is important that you and your companions are prepared for any emergency or delay that may arise.
• Prepare for potentially strong winds and waves on lakes as weather can change quickly. Check forecasted weather conditions before departure.

Information on paddling safety can be obtained at the Visitor Center or visit AdventureSmart.

Whether fishing on Kingsmere Lake, wakeboarding on Waskesiu Lake or enjoying a relaxing cruise on Crean Lake it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. Knowing how equipment works, watching out for paddlers and having the proper safety equipment are all ways of ensuring everyone enjoys their time on the lake.

Ensure that the vessel has the required safety equipment on board and be familiar with its operation. Operate motorized vessels in a manner that complies with Transport Canada’s pleasure craft legislation. As in other motor vehicles, it is unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages in a motor vessel or operate a motor vessel while impaired.

• Always wear a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when recreating on any water body.
• Stay close to shore and use pleasure crafts at own risk as beaches and open water are not patrolled.
• Be self-reliant and prepare to self-rescue should any boat, canoe or kayak capsize as help may not be immediately available. This includes wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD).
• Cellphone coverage varies by carrier and may not be available in remote areas of Prince Albert National Park. It is important that you and your companions are prepared for any emergency or delay that may arise.
• Prepare for potentially strong winds and waves on lakes as weather can change quickly. Check forecasted weather conditions before departure. 

The large lakes in Prince Albert National Park become ice-free about the middle to end of May. Water temperatures suitable for swimming are usually reached by end of June and continue until early September.

Remember, beaches are unsupervised and swimming in these areas is at your own risk. Swimming skills and approved personal floatation devices are not always enough to save a life. Often drowning incidents involve other factors beyond swimming ability. Water safety awareness - such as how to prepare for an emergency, and what to do if one occurs - helps prevent an emergency in or on the water.

Children and weak swimmers need constant supervision in and around water. Even someone who knows how to swim are at risk for drowning. All children and weak swimmers need to be supervised in the water. When swimming, be aware of the following:

• Children and weak swimmers are encouraged to wear a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
• Keep children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult
• Lakes or ponds might be shallow near the bank, and can suddenly increase in depth
• Wear foot protection such as aqua socks or water shoes as hazards may be present in the water
• Watch out for weeds and grass that can entangle a leg or arm
• Unlike the calm waters of a swimming pool, the beach may have hazards such as strong wind, waves and sharp rocks
• Keep off and out of the water when there is lightning
• For more information on child safety in and around water, visit the Canadian Red Cross

For the safety of swimmers, the use of boats and canoes is not allowed in buoyed swimming areas. Swimmer's Itch is a rare occurrence in large lakes but can be found in park waters. Contact the Visitor Centre staff for up-to-date reports or to learn more about visitor safety.