Port Stanley Villager May 2026

Prevention Over Reaction by Nathan MacIntyre, CEO of the Rip Current Information Project There is a perception that emergencies on the water are unpredictable accidents, rare moments of bad luck that could happen to anyone without warning. This perception is part of the over-all drowning problem. Along the Great Lakes shoreline, many of these incidents are not random, they are the result of patterns in weather, wave conditions and in human behaviour that repeat themselves again and again. When we begin to view water-related emergencies as predictable and preventable risks, rather than as unavoidable events, the conversation changes -- prevention becomes not just possible, but practical. At its core, water safety is not instinctive, it is learned. Just as we teach children how to cross a street, wear a seatbelt, or respond to a fire alarm, we must also teach how water behaves, and how to respond to it. Understanding Great Lakes currents, recognizing hazardous conditions and knowing what to do in those moments are all skills that can be taught, practiced and remembered. This shift toward competency is critical. Too often, people rely on confidence instead of knowledge, assuming that being a ‘strong swimmer’ is enough to conquer the Lake. However, in many Great Lakes incidents, physical ability is not the primary factor -- panic is. When someone encounters a strong current, especially un- expectedly, the natural reaction is to fight against it. That imme- DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com AD SAVE

FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h Clear, simple, and repeatable guidance, messaging that can be recalled under stress has the power to interrupt that panic cycle. A single remembered idea, such as not fighting directly against a current, can create just enough pause for someone to regain control, conserve energy, and make a safer decision. However, for messaging to work, it must reach people before they need it. PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR OCT NOV DEC MAILING MONTH FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 PROOF #: TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP diate response can quickly lead to exhaustion. Breathing becomes difficult, movements become less effective, and panic escalates. In a matter of moments, a manageable situation can turn into an emergency. This is why messaging matters.

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Page 10 Port Stanley Villager • May 2026

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