More than 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents every year.
As British Columbians look to summer staycations and many head to local lakes, rivers and ocean, safety advocates are urging for caution as drowning risks spike between May to September.
With 18 drowning deaths in B.C. this year, it is important to be “prepared ahead of time,” said Dale Miller, executive director of Lifesaving Society’s B.C. and Yukon branch.
Out of these drownings, four deaths have been recorded on Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan area has seen the highest cases with over five deaths.
Most drowning deaths are “preventable” and can be done so with proper knowledge of environment and safety measures.
“Don’t jump into water right way,” said Miller.
His advice is to check the characteristics of the water first – whether it’s fast running or cold – then look for drop-offs and rocks, and also be prepared for any emergency.
“If someone were to get into trouble, people need to know what to do.”
The majority of those who drown are within three to five metres of safety, he said. People should have something to reach out or throw to a swimmer if they get into trouble. It’s also important to stay sober, bring a swimming buddy along and wear a lifejacket.
If people are headed for swimming activities in remote areas, which are less accessible by emergencies and Search and Rescue, “personal responsibility and self rescue needs to be top priority,” said Miller.
This week, July 19-25, is National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) in Canada, and the highest number of drownings usually occur around this time.
In the prior two weeks, there were four recorded drownings in B.C.
This week there were two deaths – a 32-year-old woman drowned at Matheson Lake in Metchosin, and a 23-year-old man drowned at Six Mile beach north of Nelson.
READ MORE: 32-year-old woman drowns at Matheson Lake in Metchosin
READ MORE: Body recovered after man drowns at Six Mile beach north of Nelson
Although drowning death numbers in B.C. have dropped in 2019 and 2020, Miller said the goal is to come down to zero. In 2018, there were 44 drownings in B.C.
READ MORE : 44 drownings so far this year in B.C.
Based on Lifesaving Society’s statistics, swimming is the most common activity linked to drowning, followed by power boating.
In B.C., young adults between the age of 20-34 are at the highest risk of drowning, of which 80 per cent are males who are prone to overstep their limits and take risks for an adrenaline rush.
“Risk-taking contributes highly to drownings,” said Miller.
“When you get into trouble in water it’s very difficult to get out of it.”
