tent, accessible information. Whether someone has lived near a Great Lake for decades or just arrived that morning, the message should be consistent across the province -- clear visible, and easy to understand. At the same time, prevention efforts must be focused where they are needed most. Not all shoreline areas carry the same level of risk. Certain locations experience more frequent or more powerful currents due to their geo- graphy, prevailing winds, wave pat- terns and beach populations. These high-risk zones should be prioritized in early outreach efforts,
It’s our Rhubarb Sauce that made us famous! Join the Festivities! Ultimately, prevention is about shifting mindset as much as it is about sharing information. Prevention is about moving from reacting after something goes wrong to equipping people before they ever enter the water. Prevention is about recognizing that knowledge can change outcomes when it is simple, standardized and widely accessible. Prevention is about understanding that with the right approach, many of these incidents are not inevitable; they are preventable! allowing education and resources to have the greatest immediate impact. By concentrating on these areas first, Elgin County communities and municipalities can begin reducing incidents where they are most likely to occur, while building over time a model that can be expanded provincially to other regions.
This presents a unique challenge in shoreline communities in Ontario, like Port Stanley. Each year, large numbers of visitors arrive from outside the area, drawn by beaches, warm weather and the beauty of the Great Lakes. Many are unfamiliar with how Great Lakes conditions differ from other bodies of water; some may be visiting for the first time. If safety information is inaccurate or missing or only reaches local residents, a significant portion of those at risk will not receive the information to protect themselves. Effective prevention requires that education travel as widely as the visitors themselves. Standardized-province-wide signage, public campaigns, community partnerships and digital outreach all play a role in ensuring that both residents and visitors receive consis-
Join the Festivities!
JUNE 13 & 14 Shedden Keystone Complex • Lion’s Breakfast • Music • Food • Vendors • Kids’ Zone • Yard Sales (Sat) • Largest Leaf & Stock Contest (Sat) • Car Show (Sun) • Non-demoninational Church Service (Sun)
Shedden Keystone Complex JUNE 10 & 11
• Yard Sales • Music • Food • Car Show • Vendors • Rosy Rhubarb Run • Horse Show Demonstration • Kids Zone plus Batman & Superhero Costume Contest 2026
MAKE WINE – SAVE MONEY Premium wine at a fraction of the cost! Discover a unique wine making experience in our charming town of Port Stanley. Choose from a wide selection of premium wines designed to suit every taste and budget. Satisfaction guaranteed. 2023
C E
Enjoy Everything Rhubarb Pies & Sauces
Camping Available
CAMPING AVAILABLE
Full Schedule, Details & Updates on Facebook or rosyrhubarbfestival.com
FINE WINE SINCE 2013
172 William St., Port Stanley • (519) 476-3998 Learn more at www.ryanscellar.ca Cheers! Brad & Maurica Ryan
Rhubarb Capital of Ontario
Experience Everything Rhubarb
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Port Stanley Villager • May 2026 • Page 11
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