B.C. safety officials urge life jackets after rise in drownings

Grace says these numbers should be a wake-up call for everyone in the province. She urges anyone getting on a boat this summer to wear a life jacket.

She explains that this problem isn’t just in one area or linked to one activity. Drownings have occurred in places such as Okanagan Lake, Fernie, Castlegar, the Lower Mainland, and waters near Richmond. Boating, fishing, and swimming have all been involved.

Grace says there isn’t just one reason for these deaths, but some patterns keep coming up. People often skip wearing life jackets, think they are better swimmers than they are, or get caught off guard by the weather and water conditions.

She points out that men usually make up most drowning deaths in B.C.

“Typically about 77% of drownings in British Columbia are males,” Grace said. “They tend to engage in riskier behaviours, and are less likely to wear a life jacket. And for that reason, we have a real opportunity here for parents and caregivers to role model to young males, ” Grace says many drowning victims are between 18 and 34 years old. She also notes a worrying increase among people in the boomer generation.

Alcohol and drugs are another big concern. Grace says people should not drink or use substances before boating or swimming because it affects judgment. This is also important for parents and caregivers watching children near water.

“If you’ve been drinking or engaging in other substances, that is going to cloud your judgment, make you not as attentive, and you want to make sure that you have your eyes on your children,” Grace said.

Grace says young children should always stay within arm’s reach. Drowning can happen quickly, so caregivers need to keep their eyes on kids rather than on their phones.

Grace says most drownings in B.C. happen in natural places like rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Rivers usually see the most, followed by lakes. There have also been ocean drownings this year.

In Prince George, Search and Rescue is warning people about local water conditions as more people head outside in the summer weather.

Prince George Search and Rescue Search Manager Dave Merritt says more people are using paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and boats as temperatures warm. But local rivers and creeks are still cold and high.

Merritt says people may not realize the danger because the air feels warm.

“The air temperatures are nice and warm,” Merritt said. “Our water levels are still really high.”

Merritt says both the Fraser River and the Chaco River are running high. People have floated down the Nechako River in Prince George for years, but hidden dangers still exist.

“You look at the surface, it’s nice and calm,” Merritt said. “And under that water, it’s churning. It’s moving at a faster pace. Sometimes there could be debris in there, and it is cold water.”

Merritt says the Fraser River moves even faster. He warns people not to swim or play in fast-moving water unless they know their equipment and have rescue gear with them.

He advises paddleboarders and canoeists to consider what could go wrong before heading out. He says everyone should wear a personal flotation device and carry a throw line.

Merritt says safety gear isn’t about comfort. It’s about staying alive and being able to help someone else if there’s trouble.

“The whole idea is to protect each other and allow ourselves to come home and enjoy this activity another day,” Merritt said.

Cold water can still be dangerous even when it’s hot outside. Merritt says it might be 25 or 30 degrees out, but the water can still lower your body temperature fast. Rescuers still treat people for hypothermia in the summer.

Grace says being prepared and taking steps to prevent accidents can save lives. She urges everyone to wear life jackets, no matter their age or skill, avoid alcohol or drugs, and keep a close watch on children.

“The number one way they can do that is by wearing a life jacket on the water,” Grace said. “That one simple step can mean the difference between life and death when seconds really count.”

by Dave Branco

B.C. safety officials urge life jackets after rise in drownings

What's Trending