The warm weather, it would seem, has at last arrived. After a long June of rain (even flooding in some areas), this week's sunny weather has certainly been cheerfully welcomed by most.
But the rising temperatures can lend themselves to some dangerous situations.
Last year, in Burnaby, New Westminster and around the Lower Mainland, there were more than 10 incidents with children falling out of unsecured windows. At least one incident was ultimately fatal.
Don't assume that screens are secure enough to take the weight of a child and remember that young babies and toddlers won't know to stay away from open windows.
I spotted this Canadianbased website this week, which covers window safety issues at www. windowsafety.ca.
As well, keep in mind that even moderately warm temperatures can cause temperatures inside closed vehicles to spike quickly and dangerously. Tests have shown that even "cracking" a window does little to help the fastrising temperatures inside a car or truck.
Check out this Canada Safety Council bulletin to get more information:
http: //canadasafetycouncil.org/node/960.
Finally, don't forget that water safety is a priority - even in "kiddie" pools.
So whether it's at the beach, in a backyard pool or in a small blow-up pool, keep safety top of mind and don't leave kids unattended. Drowing happens quickly and, often, silently. To brush up on water safety, check out the resources available from the Canadian Red Cross at www.redcross.ca. They recently issued a reminder to parents to be vigilant around water, noting that a baby can drown in as little as three centimetres of water.
With those safety reminders out of the way, get out and enjoy the nice weather - before fall arrives and it's gone again.
HELPING KIDS
Know someone who works with children and deserves kudos for their efforts?
The deadline is fast approaching for nominations to recognize excellence among those working with children and youth. The Representative for Children and Youth's fifth annual award of excellence program will be taking nominations until Aug. 1.
Individuals and organizations whose work contributes to improving the lives of children and youth in B.C. are eligible to be nominated, with a panel of individuals selecting winners in the various caegories. An award ceremony will be held in the fall.
Categories include innovative services award, service provider award, youth leadership award, lifetime achievement award, advocacy award, and the cultural heritage and diversity award.
For nomination information, see www.rcybc.ca.
FAMILY FUN
Here's a good one to help kick off the arrival of summer sun.
The National Nikkei Centre, in conjunction with Gladstone Japanese Language School, is hosting the Tanabata Festival this Saturday, July 7.
The event runs from 12: 30 to 2 p.m., and admission is $5.
Organizers say participants will celebrate this traditional Japanese summer festival by decorating a sasa branch and writing wishes onto paper streamers. Other highlights include omikoshi, bonodori, taiko and water balloons, fishing and candy floss. Come dressed in a yukata or get dressed up in one at the centre.
The event is suitable for families with children aged three to 10, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Nikkei Centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres.
STRETCH TIME
When we think of summer sports activities, we usually think of swimming or an impromptu game of soccer at the park. But I spotted a unique program running at a local yoga studio this summer geared at young kids.
Bikram Yoga Burnaby is running classes for kids aged four to 10 all through the summer, with opportunities to line up the class time with parents' sessions, so both mom, dad and kids can get in a little activity. To find out more about the sessions, see their website at www. bikramyogaburnaby.ca.
TOOT, TOOT
It's an oldie but a goodie: if you've never been out to the Confederation Park train ride, now's the summer to check it out.
Known as the Burnaby Central Railway, the train runs on weekends and statutory holidays until Thanksgiving, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It costs just $2.50 to take a ride and children under 36 months ride free.
The train is maintained and run by volunteers with the British Columbia Society of Engineers. To find out more, see www. burnabyrailway.org.
Christina Myers is a reporter with the NOW. Find her on twitter @ ChristinaMyersA.
