We’ve all heard the phrase “the coldest summer for the rest of your life”; it’s been making its rounds in the headlines the past few years. And while it’s unsettling, it points to the reality we’re currently living in.

Many places around the world are already experiencing extreme heatwaves, and warmer months have only just begun. As temperatures continue to rise, many of us look for ways to cool off. Indoor community spaces and cooling centers are often promoted as spaces to escape the heat. However, many of our cities and communities have their own natural cooling systems - blue spaces like lakes, rivers, shorelines, and waterfronts. In addition to cooling, these are the places where water is part of our everyday lives, such as swimming at a public beach, walking along a riverfront trail, or just sitting by the water.

Blue spaces are good for our physical and mental well-being, but they also play a bigger role in our communities. They help shape how livable our cities and communities are, especially during extreme heat. As we face a warming future, access to swimmable, drinkable, fishable water in the heart of our cities becomes even more critical.

North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton, Alberta

This weekend is only the beginning; we’re likely to see extreme temperatures all summer long, and it’s an important reminder of why investing in public spaces matters. Improving access to blue spaces by restoring shorelines and improving waterfront access creates healthier and more connected communities. We’re better prepared for extreme heat when we have access to a safe and welcoming space nearby.

That’s why initiatives like the WAVE Prize are so important. For too long, it has been accepted that some water isn’t safe for swimming, drinking, or fishing. But over the past few decades, communities have been working hard to clean up their local rivers, lakes, and harbours. For the first time in generations, communities have the chance to reimagine their relationship with urban waters. There is a tremendous opportunity to transform waterfronts into places where people don’t just look at the water, but can swim, gather, and connect. Opportunities like this come with the responsibility to continue advocating and protecting our waterways for future generations.

Gord Edgar Downie Pier, Kingston, Ontario

This weekend calls for some extreme temperatures, so if you’re headed to a blue space to stay cool this weekend, make sure to check the Swim Guide before diving in. It provides free up-to-date water quality information for thousands of beaches across the globe, making it easy for you to find swimmable places nearby. It only takes a minute to check before you head out, and it gives you peace of mind before getting in the water.

While you’re cooling off this weekend at your local beach, or taking a walk along the water, or spending the afternoon at the lake, take a few moments to remember how important those places are. Remember that they’re worth protecting.

Finding Relief in Blue Spaces During a Heat Wave

Meet the Summer Squad