Safety top of mind for Lethbridge summer camps, animals as heat warning lingers
![lethbridge hot, hot heat Summer campers at Lethbridge College are trading in sunshine for air conditioning as a heat warning continues to blanket most of Alberta with temperatures expected in the mid-30s.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/7/10/lethbridge-hot--hot-heat-1-6959164-1720653604235.jpeg)
Summer campers at Lethbridge College are trading in sunshine for air conditioning as a heat warning continues to blanket most of Alberta with temperatures expected in the mid-30s.
"Campers' safety is always our priority here with summer camps," said Paige Thornborough, co-ordinator of youth initiatives at the college.
"We're very cognitive anytime we're experiencing extreme weather, extreme heat such as this, so we really made a concentrated effort over the last couple of days to really evaluate ways that we can be reducing any potential risks to the campers."
Thornborough says those efforts include moving outdoor activities inside, taking more water breaks and only going outside at non-peak times.
"There has been fairly minimal impact on the schedules of our camps," she said.
"We have extremely fantastic camp leaders who are highly adaptable in adjusting on the fly and changing out some activities."
Health officials recommend staying inside as much as possible.
"Individuals can sort of end up with heat exhaustion and this is people feeling tired, they may feel nausea, have some dizziness, they're extensively perspiring, they may feel faint. That can quickly progress to heat stroke," explained Dr. Vivien Suttorp, South Zone medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services.
Suttorp says wearing long-sleeves and sunscreen, avoiding peak heat times and watching the UV rate and humidity can protect you.
"If you recognize someone with heat exhaustion where they're feeling nausea, dizzy, they have a headache or are feeling faint, get them out of the sun and put them in the shade, provide them rehydration … water is best," she said.
The city says places like the Lethbridge Public Library, Park 'n' Ride and Cavendish Centre are open to the public to cool down.
Outreach organizations have also extended hours to allow the unhoused population a reprieve from the heat.
As for our four-legged friends, veterinarians say things like limiting the time paws spend on hot cement and never leaving your animal alone in a hot car can help keep them safe in the heat.
"Beyond that, if it's a hot day, we don't want to be exercising them extensively, right?" said veterinarian Dr. Chanpreet Bath.
For those looking to cool down on an open body of water or the Oldman River, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind everyone to wear a lifejacket and plan ahead, including creating a float plan, staying sober and knowing how to swim.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.1652915.1706929185!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Convicted B.C. double murderer given full parole
A man convicted in the notorious double murder of two women in Tsawwassen in 1990 when he was a teenager has been granted full parole.
B.C. preparing for 'worst-case scenario' if landslide-caused dam in Chilcotin River gives way
The risk to communities along the Fraser and Chilcotin rivers if a dam created by a massive landslide is breached is uncertain but has the potential to be 'significant,' according to officials.
Costco's 'Apocalypse Dinner Kit' has a shelf life of 25 years. What is it?
Canadians looking to stock up on food for an emergency can order ready-made tubs from Costco online.
1 dead, several injured in Alberta tent collapse
One person was killed and others were hurt when an event tent collapsed on hundreds of people north Edmonton on Wednesday.
B.C. man spots bobcat while on his way to Starbucks
A few days after moving into his North Vancouver neighborhood Paul Wiens was enjoying one of the perks – cutting through the scenic BCMC trail on his way to grab a coffee at Starbucks – when he had an unexpected but "magical" encounter.
Liberal MP says she regrets 'distress' caused to witnesses who left meeting in tears
Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld fell short of an apology after instigating a fracas on Wednesday that led two witnesses testifying about violence against women to storm out of a parliamentary committee hearing.
Canadian-born captive and American journalist freed in prisoner swap with Russia
Canadian-born Paul Whelan and an honorary Canadian citizen were set free Thursday as the United States and Russia completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history.
Summer McIntosh wins gold in 200-metre butterfly, sets Olympic record
Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh won her second Olympic gold medal in Paris with a victory in the women's 200-metre butterfly.
Italian Air Force performs flyover in Toronto
The red, white and green of Italy’s Air Force graced the skies above Toronto for the first time in nearly 40 years during a flyover Thursday.