ORNGE

November 2024

Be Safe Around Cold Water this Year!

The cold water season on Georgian Bay is longer than most people realize, lasting from October through June, so it is important to understand cold water hazards and risks. Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) hosts both in-person and virtual workshops facilitated by Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht (aka Professor Popsicle) of the University of Manitoba, a world-renowned expert in hypothermia. Some of the topics covered in the workshops include: Understanding the Myths Around Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia 4 Ways Our Bodies Lose Heat What Happens to Our Bodies When Immersed in Cold Water Cold Water Survival and Thermal Protective Clothing How to Get Back in Your Boat Should You Fall Overboard and are Alone The Decision to Stay or Swim When You're on Your Own Ice Ass

November 2024

MacTier Paramedic Station Closure Sparks Community Concerns

The scheduled closure of the EMS paramedic station in MacTier has raised concerns among residents. The Concerned West Muskoka Citizens group believes the proposed Paramedic Response Unit (PRU) is not a suitable replacement as the PRU cannot transport patients or provide two-paramedic care, which is essential in emergencies. MacTier's location within the Township of Georgian Bay is important due to its year-round and seasonal population. The group also claims that moving the service to a station 30 minutes further south will delay care and increase response times potentially endangering lives. Additionally, the group says the decision was made without public input, raising questions about the district's commitment to transparency and safety. Residents are urging the District of Muskok

November 2024

Apply for $500 to Fund a Wildfire Prevention Project or Event

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is observed annually on the first Saturday in May. Communities are encouraged to host events and work on projects that raise awareness of wildfire risk and develop strategies to increase resilience to it. Groups can apply for a $500 award to fund a Wildfire Community Preparedness event or project that can take place any time between May and October 2024. FireSmart Canada in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), Co-operators and the Provincial and Territorial wildfire agencies are supporting this annual event by sponsoring the $500 award. In 2024, 378 neighborhoods and groups received funding in 2024 across 10 provinces and two territories. Neighbourhoods, commun

November 2024

Recent Rescues Highlight the Importance of Preparation

It happens and it can happen to anyone! These two recent incidents in Ontario's wilderness underscore the importance of taking all the necessary offseason safety precautions: A 66-year-old Mono Township man owes his life to wearing a life jacket! Mid morning on November 7 during a solo boat ride on the Bay, the man went overboard into chilly 10.5°C southern Georgian Bay waters near Sturgeon Bay. He inflated his life jacket, which allowed him to tread water and swim for over an hour before he was able to reach a shoal. Residents nearby noticed the man's yellow life jacket from 400 meters away. They alerted authorities, prompting a swift response from the OPP Marine Unit. Rescued at 2 p.m., the hypothermic man received medical trea