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As the heat of summer finally arrives in the Foothills, Okotoks is opening facilities to ensure patrons have a place to cool off after fun in the sun.
Cooling spaces in the Pason Centennial Arena, the Okotoks Recreation Centre and the Okotoks Spray Park will be open during regular business hours from July 11 to 17.
These areas are being made available this week as temperatures are projected to reach the mid-to-high 20s and into the 30s.
Okotoks Fire and Rescue asks that people not use the Sheep River to cool off at this time, as the flow rate continues to be high, the water murky and the footing unstable.
However, if one chooses to use the river or waterway for recreation, it is important to remember to have a well-fitting life jacket for every person in the water and to exercise caution around river banks as fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization.
Swimming in storm ponds is strictly prohibited at all times.
The Town also wants residents to remember to keep themselves safe during periods of extreme heat by doing the following:
- Avoid working or exercising intensely in the heat or humidity. If it cannot be avoided, be sure to take regular breaks, drink lots of water, maintain salt levels in your body and avoid high-protein foods.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle, especially in direct sunlight.
- Hydrate to protect yourself and your family from heat‐related illness.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, a brimmed hat and UVA and UVB-protected sunglasses. Wear sunscreen, and reapply regularly.
- Check up on your family or friends who are alone and do not have air conditioning.
- If your home is too hot or uncomfortable, take cool showers or baths or go to an air-conditioned public space, like Pason Arena or the Okotoks Recreation Centre
The outdoor water schedule is still in effect and is even more important during periods of high heat which can cause water to evaporate. For more information on watering schedules, visit okotoks.ca/watering.
