Stay cool and stay safe in the heat this summer

Kawartha Lakes – Summer in Kawartha Lakes is here and it’s gearing up to be a hot one. July and August can see extremely hot temperatures that can pose health risks for certain people and also for pets.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Kawartha Lakes starting today (July 4) through Thursday July 6.

The municipality is committed to ensuring that all residents and visitors stay safe from the effects of extreme heat. Visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/extremeheat for tips on how to stay cool and safe.

Heat alerts: Stay informed

During the warmer months, Environment Canada will caution certain areas about extreme heat through heat warnings. Heat warning will always be shared 12 to 18 hours in advance of the heat event.

Heat warning: heat warnings will be issued when the temperature reaches 31°C or higher during the day, and is 20°C or higher at night for at least two days. The will also be issued if there is a Humidex of 40°C or higher for at least two days.

Extended heat warning: extended heat warnings will be issued when the temperature reaches 31°C or higher during the day, and is 20°C or higher at night for at least three days. They will also be issued if there’s a Humidex of 40°C or higher for at least three days. 

Visit the Extreme Heat page on the Kawartha Lakes website for more information. Be sure to subscribe to our newsroom to stay informed and to have extended heat warnings sent directly to your inbox.

Know where to go to help beat the heat

For those who may not have air conditioning and are looking for a place to cool off, the municipality offers the following to help you beat the heat:

• Public Swimming at the Lindsay Recreation Complex and the Forbert Pool (Bobcaygeon)
• Splash pads are located at Tommy Anderson Park (Bobcaygeon), Elgin Park (Lindsay), Logie Park (Lindsay), and Garnet Graham Park (Fenelon Falls). Splash pads are set to open seven days a week from 10am to 8pm.
• The Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes has a splash pad at 107 Lindsay Street South, Lindsay that is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays from 10am to 5pm starting on June 17.  
• Public Skating at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.
• All Public Library branches have air conditioning.
• A list of all public beaches is available on the Kawartha Lakes website. Don’t forget to check the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s local beaches page to ensure the beach is safe for swimming prior to jumping in!

Cooling centres

A cooling centre will be made available to residents during extended heat warnings at the Lindsay Recreation Complex. Stay tuned to our website to be notified of an extended heat warning and cooling centre hours.

Please note, as of July 4, we are not in an extended heat warning and cooling centres are not currently available.  

Support local and beat the heat

Downtowns across the municipality will be hosting events throughout the month and they’re never too far from the water or a place to cool down! View the events calendar on our website to learn more.

You can also subscribe to our events calendar to stay up-to-date on everything that’s happening throughout the municipality. 

Tips and tricks to keep yourself, family and pets safe in the heat:

During extremely hot and humid weather keep yourself, your family and your pets safe by taking the following actions:

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed or parked vehicle
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Avoid going out in the heat and stay in the shade as much as possible
• Check in regularly with vulnerable family members, neighbours, friends and others who could be affected by the extreme heat
• Take frequent breaks if you work outdoors
• Avoid wearing dark colours because they absorb the sun’s rays
• Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity during the hottest part of the day

For tips on recognizing and treating the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke visit the Extreme Heat page on our website.

Update (July 4, 11am): this news release was updated to remove mention of the Coboconk Service Centre and library as a potential cooling centre location. All library branches offer a chance to cool down, during regular operating hours.

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