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OPINION Be water wary With the recent hot weather it's only natural people want to beat the heat by enjoying a swim in a pool, a day at the beach or a casual canoe ride along a local river. But in our haste to cool off, we often don't consider the dangers that water presents. National Drowning Prevention Week began Sunday (July 16) and the Lifesaving Society urges Canadians to ensure their safety and the safety of others on, in, or near the water. Fact: drowning remains the third leading cause of accidental death among Canadians under 60 years of age. In the past few weeks we in Halton have had local reminders just how dangerous water-- any water-- can be. On Saturday an Etobicoke man drowned while swimming in Fairy Lake in Acton-- ignoring the posted warning signs that the beach was closed and swimming wasn't permitted. It was the second time in four years the lake and its weedy bottom claimed a life. Two weeks ago an 83-year-old Burlington woman accidentally tumbled into a swimming pool while gardening. While there was a cover on the pool, there was also several feet of standing water on top of the cover and the elderly woman became entrapped in the cover. Her 65-year-old daughter was unable to save her. Neither woman could swim. And then there are the hazards that boating presents. Boating activities represent more than 30 per cent of all drowning deaths. In fact, more than 60 per cent of all drowning deaths in Canada occur during recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, or boating. "Canadians must be mindful of these statistics as they take part in summer water activities," says Rick Haga, executive director of the Lifesaving Society, a charitable organization dedicated to the prevention of drowning deaths and water-related injuries in Canada. But, as Haga points out, what is most disturbing is that "the majority of the time, these deaths can be avoided." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Cyclists, drivers should show consideration Dear editor, I am rather sad and upset that we seem to be losing our sense of respect, care and responsibility in this town in regards to cars and bikes. Let's see, a month or so ago we have a lovely young lady hit while on her bike and left without so much as a call to 911 by the person responsible. A friend of mine was out walking her two wee Yorkies and stopped to talk to a neighbour and was run into and pushed to the pavement by a grown adult on a bike "walking" his dogs. He didn't stop to see if she was hurt or needed help nor to apologize. Last week another friend who happens to have a guide dog was walking in Glen Williams and was also hit by a person on a bike. First, it's pretty hard to miss that my friend has a guide dog and I would believe most civilized people know that a dog "in harness" is not just out having a walk with his owner, but working. Second, this "person" for lack of a better name in a public paper did not stop to see that he had injured my friend. Third, if my friend's dog had been hurt this would affect how my friend can get around in his daily life, not to mention vet bills if his dog needed medical help. I call this cyclist a coward. Yes, my friend can't identify you, but some day karma may catch up with you. Fourth, I was walking on a local trail with a friend and the dog she was pet-sitting when a group of young people-- who are of age to know better-- came zooming up behind us at a great speed. We had to yell at them to watch out for us and the poor little dachshund. Yes, you may ride your bikes on a public path, but please be considerate of others. Also I was under the impression that bike tires of a certain diameter are not allowed on the sidewalk. Then why do I see adults on the sidewalks and why do I, as a person walking, have to move aside for them? I can understand tots on the sidewalk, but if you are an adult cyclist stay on the road-- you do fall under the vehicle road laws. And, if you approach a four-way stop, you must stop. The rules of the road are for you as well and other drivers, whether in cars or on bikes, expect you to obey them. So please, to the cowards who run people over, whether on a bike or in a car, stop and say you're sorry and see if you can help. Yes, accidents happen but only cowards don't stop. Debra Hayes, Georgetown Something bugging you? Send us a letter! Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Young `Stephen Kings' should be encouraged Dear editor, This is in response to the July 5 letter by Alan Cole complaining about a few kids filming a movie using a dummy as part of their project. First of all, sir, if these kids wish to make a movie using a dressed up dummy, instead of being angry with them, why don't we congratulate them for being creative? Instead of causing mischief, vandalism or any other harm to our town, they were creating a movie. Has it occurred to to you that they might be aspiring directors? Do you not believe that Stephen King may have started the same way as a kid? These kids were trying to have some fun and it makes it more and more difficult for them to do so, because of people like yourself who do not agree with something. This is what drives kids to get bored and create chaos in other ways, because something they do, that does not harm anyone, is taken away from them. Next time you see something like this happening, congratulate them for their creativity. Tell them that it is nice to see them doing what they are doing, instead of spray-painting the side of a building or smashing windows. Kids deserve our support so that they can continue to use their minds to make something of themselves and not end up in jail. Jay Fendley, Georgetown