Is this weather glorious, or what? What a fantastic week on the Sunshine Coast. And it couldn’t have come any sooner. With all the rain and dreary weather we’ve been experiencing, we’re pretty sure a tad bit of depression was setting in for many of us.

So, now that summer is officially here, we can all get out and play and enjoy everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer. But, with that enjoyment, comes a responsibility — whatever you chose to do, do it safely.

If you’re out on the water, don’t drink and drive, make sure all in your vessel have the proper life vests and you follow the rules of the marine highway.

If you’re out mountain biking or hiking the many fabulous trails, be sure to have proper provisions, water, extra clothes, a cell phone, and let someone know your itinerary — where you plan to go, when you are leaving and when you plan to return. Let’s face it: nothing would ruin a summer hike or ride more than a rescue call to Search and Rescue.

And with this hot streak comes a warning from the Coastal Fire Centre too, as the forest fire risk is starting to climb. You would think with all the rain we had in April, May and June, that wouldn’t be the case, but it is. The forest floor is tinder dry and one errant cigarette butt thrown carelessly out a moving vehicle or a campfire left unattended or not extinguished properly could prove to be disastrous.

We’ve been fortunate here on the Coast the past few years that fire crews haven’t had to attend to many major human-caused forest fires. Let’s keep it that way.

Recognition

Sechelt resident Guy Dawkins doesn’t consider himself a hero, but in our eyes he sure is. Dawkins recently received a commendation letter from the Vancouver Police Department after he put his own life on the line to talk down a woman contemplating suicide last December in Vancouver. He didn’t have to stop his car that fateful day, but we think the family of the woman he saved is grateful he did. It’s people like Guy who make this community and this world a better place to live in. Thanks, Guy. We’re proud of you.