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6 ·The IFP· Halton Hills ·Tuesday, June 19, 2012 OPINION Avoid tragedy With summer almost officially upon us, it is time to remember it only takes a moment of oversight to bring on a lifetime of tragedy. To help prevent this, the OPP recently issued a special pool safety reminder to all parents and caregivers of small children. As the warmer summer-like weather prevails, this safety reminder is vital to the safety of all our young ones. The most common drowning spots for children between the ages of one and four is backyard pools. According to Safe Kids Canada, drowning is the second-leading cause of injuryrelated death for Canadian children. Every year almost 60 children drown. The following recommendations will go a long way to save lives and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable warm weather season: · Pool owners should erect a four-foot high, four-sided fence with self-closing and latching gates; · Always stay within sight and reach of young children; · Learn how to swim or have an experienced swimmer with the child at all times, and someone who is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); · Ensure young children and weak swimmers have a life-jacket or personal floatation device on at all times; · Sign your children up for swimming lessons; · Make sure you have the proper emergency equipment available; a phone near the pool to call 911, first aid kit, reach pole and a ring buoy with an attached rope. A caregiver must be responsible, sober and confident at all times. Visit www.safekidscanada.ca for more information. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Not everyone has forgotten D-Day Dear editor, It was hard to read Shell Lawr's letter June 14 about D-Day (D-Day forgotten). It is sad that no one seems to remember such an important date in not only Canadian history, but world history as well. I want Shell to know that there are some of us who have not forgotten. In 2010 my wife and I took a day trip from Paris to see a few of the landing beaches in Normandy (Utah, Omaha and Gold). Seeing all the monuments, statues and the gravesites of many of these real-life heroes was truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable. I am 32 years old now and I couldn't even imagine how I would fare in such a horrific situation, charging out of neck-deep water at heavily-defended positions, facing such a high possibility of death. I am planning a return to Europe two years from now with my dad to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather's Second World War experience. Although he didn't land at Juno during the invasion, we will be making a stop there on June 6/2014 for the 70th anniversary. I would like to thank Shell for risking his life for all of our freedoms....I will never forget. Ryan Barr, Acton Rural areas not a `dumping ground' Dear editor, I note that The Independent & Free Press recently had an article regarding towers and turbines. It is stated there is a concern of these being placed in the urban areas of Halton. Mayor Rick Bonnette, approved by council, has asked staff to research the issue and bring back policies to more adequately address the issues. Although not stated, the connotation is that these should be placed in the rural areas. Once again the urban residents and councillors are practising a NIMBY approach and using the rural areas as their dumping ground for things they find offensive, visually or otherwise, in their towns and neighbourhoods. Since the majority of users, and benefits, are to those in the urban areas, that is exactly where these should be placed. Unfortunately, since Regional government was imposed on us, the rural areas lack enough representation to protect our own environment and aesthetics. Art Hawes, Limehouse Vets remembered Dear editor, Re: June 14 letter D-Day forgotten. As a 13-year-old old schoolboy, I well remember D-Day and waiting with bated breath as the many later battles developed. But "we" do remember all those who served, and still serve our Canada at "the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" with the annual Remembrance Day Parade. If the First and Second World Wars and Korean War are fading from our memory, and if our grand children R (the nurse) and J (the shepherd and shearer) can prosper in a peaceful land, then we have all done our best and we should all be well-pleased. Can we ask for more? John Owen, Georgetown WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) Should people convicted of cruelty to animal charges receive automatic jail sentences? · Yes (75%) · No. A fine is sufficient punishment (25%) The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.