The summer is almost over... Where did the months go?
So enjoy this long weekend because after this Monday's holiday, Torontonians have one more long weekend left - Labour Day - before summer is unofficially over for another year.While you're getting ready to head to the cottage, do a little camping, hang out around the house, strike up the barbecue, or whatever it is you have planned remember to stay safe, look out for each other, and keep some very important things top-of-mind.The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), like all long weekends, will be patrolling the three main highways in and out of the city targeting aggressive drivers, drinking and driving as well as improper use of seatbelts, restraints and flotation devices.But it's not solely the responsibility of our men and women in uniform to assure safety remains top priority along the province's main highways. It is up to every one of us to make sure we adhere to the rules. Slow down when driving this weekend. Look out for pedestrians. Buckle up. And most importantly, keep an eye on your kids.According to David Wesson, former Sick Kids surgeon and founder of Safe Kids Canada, drowning is the leading cause of injury and death among children second only to car accidents.Mayoral candidate George Smitherman's pledge to have elementary school students swimming by Grade 5 might seem pie-in-the-sky when taking into account the lack of pool resources in Toronto, but it's an idea worth exploring - even if the provincial Ministry of Education scrapped swimming lessons for elementary school students.On what's shaping up to be a beautiful long weekend, thoughts of hitting a pool or taking a dip in the lake are high on people's to-do list. Fun aside, there are things to keep in mind when deciding to enjoy the water. Especially when dealing with children. For great tips on water safety visit www.insidetoronto.com, and click on the Life section under Community.It's up to Torontonians and politicians alike to consider the safety of residents all year round, not just when there's a long weekend or a rash of drownings like this year in and around the GTA. It's time to increase fines and remove the leniency of many laws. This week's no-alcohol legislation for drivers under 21 is a perfect example. It's time to rethink legislation governing aggressive drivers, as well as drinking and driving for those over 21.