Reminder to stay safe on the water as BC records five drownings this month

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – As the weather warms up, the BC Coroners Service is reminding people to be extra safe on the water as the number of drowning deaths tends to spike province-wide. The agency says five people have drowned in our waters this month alone but there are ways to keep your summer plans from turning into a tragedy.

Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society Dale Miller explains so far this year in BC 19 people have drowned.

One way, he adds, to avoid becoming a statistic is to wear a life jacket.

“Boaters, we always encourage them to wear their life jacket or personal flotation device and not just have it in the boat because once they get thrown into the water, it’s very tough to put it on. This is something we mention every year and again every year there are some drownings related to this.”

It’s also a good idea to stay sober as alcohol plays a role in about 40 per cent of boating related drownings.

If you’re just jumping in for a quick swim, Miller says it’s critical you know your surroundings. “There could be currents in the ocean. There could be drop-offs and snags and rocks if they’re diving into the water.”

Your water safety awareness should also be especially high when there are children around. “We’ve already had one toddler drown this year. We don’t want to see those situations occur again.”

The number of drowning deaths tends to increase in May and continue to rise through August.

Data from 2016 shows a total of 47 accidental drownings, the lowest number in the past decade, down from 80 in 2015. More than one-third of those deaths occurred in BC’s Southern Interior.

Transport Canada, the VPD Marine Unit and the City of Vancouver suggests people consider taking a boating course before heading out on the water. Other tips include being aware of cold water and the risks associated and staying away from large commercial vessels which can be unpredictable and move faster than you might think.