At a young age and for as long as I can remember, we were taught by our parents to respect both the power and beauty of water. We had a century old cottage on Sand Lake, part of the Rideau Canal, where we grew up learning how to swim, sail, canoe and fish. To come of age was to complete the "swim test" - 20 metres solo without floatation assistance and using whatever stroke necessary (usually the dog paddle). This was the price of freedom, for a graduate of the swim test was able to roam and play on land without a lifejacket. I was 5, it was heaven.