The summer months used to be a time we all looked forward to. A time of year that Danny Zuko lamented because it happened so fast.
Now it’s a time to be afraid. Very afraid.
At least that’s the feeling we get when reviewing all of the scary warnings coming out of various levels of government as June finishes.
With the school year wrapping up, there are warnings about watching for children on the roads because they will no longer be in class.
And since we’ve destroyed the ozone layer, there are warnings to make sure you put on extra sunscreen so you don’t get burned and develop skin cancer.
BC Hydro issued a warning last week about heat waves and the incredible strain they put on the power system as people cranked up their air conditioners. They seem to think that simply closing our blinds will stop our homes from feeling like the Amazon rainforest.
The BC Coroners Service issued a warning because they see a spike in the number of drowning deaths during the summer months. The agency released a list of helpful tips, including don’t swim alone and cut down on your alcohol intake if you are taking a dip while out on the ocean, or that river or lake.
Oh, and if you are thinking of camping, there is a long list of warnings about campfires anywhere in our beautiful province to ensure dumb people don’t accidentally set off a forest fire. (Hey smokers, watch what you do with your butts!)
And don’t forget about our friend the mosquito. They look tiny and harmless, but they could be carrying West Nile Virus so be sure to put on lots of bug spray so you won’t get bitten.
Look, we don’t disagree with any of these warnings. They are all important to remember so we stay safe this summer.
Then again, most of these things are basic common sense.
It’s hard to get amped up for summer fun when someone is whispering dire things in your ear about all the dangers out there when it finally stops raining in this province.
So our message is: use your common sense and enjoy the summer.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
