With summer officially here and warmer weather hopefully in the forecast in the near future, the BC Coroners service is urging the public to take extra care and adhere to caution when they are near rivers, lakes or the ocean over the next few months,
According to a news release issued by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in collaboration with the BC Coroners Service, statistics collected by the BC Coroners Service have shown consistent spikes in drowning deaths each summer.
The numbers collected have previously shown that drowning deaths seem to increase beginning in May, while they continue to rise during the summer months into August.
While preliminary data from 2016 actually shows a decline in the number of accidental drownings, information found in the news release states that the BC Coroners Service is already currently investigating five drowning incidents that occurred in British Columbia waterways this month alone.
Further data from 2016 shows a total of 47 accidental drownings, which is the lowest number in the past decade, down from a staggering 80 in 2015. According to the release, more than one-third of those deaths occurred in B.C.’s Southern Interior.
“All boaters and paddlers should wear a personal floatation device (PFD), not just have one in the boat with them,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “Additionally, children, non-swimmers and weak swimmers should wear a PFD anytime they’re in or near the water. People don’t realize how quickly they can get into trouble, particularly when they’re in unfamiliar waters.”
The news release details numerous quick tips for water safety this summer, which include Lapointe’s suggestion to always wear a personal floatation device. The BC Coroners Service strongly advises that individuals not to mix alcohol with boating, swimming or other recreational water activities.
This is the time of year when we see too many carefree days on the water turn to tragedy due to alcohol, poor judgment or a momentary lapse in supervision of children,” said Dale Miller, the executive director for the BC & Yukon Lifesaving Society Branch “Although figures are improving, we are working toward a province that is free from drowning.”
Additionally, a study published in the Injury Prevention journal suggests that someone with a blood-alcohol level of 0.10 has approximately 10 times the risk of drowning during boating when compared to someone who is completely sober. This is due the the fact that even a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of a potentially fatal accident.
Nonetheless, the news release also states that it is illegal for someone to drive a boat if they are impaired, as well as it causing a direct risk to passengers of said boat. Drugs and alcohol impairment has often been a contributing factor in cases in which an individual has accidentally fallen into water.
The BC Coroners Service is also emphasizing that locals and visitors to the province — from other regions or other countries — fully understand the dangers that may lurk in or near B.C.’s lakes and rivers.
Whether it is sudden drop-offs into deep water, unexpectedly cold water temperatures during the summer months, unanticipated underwater obstacles or unstable and slippery rock edges near cliffs and waterfalls, the BC Coroners Service urges the public to constantly be aware of the water conditions when planning exciting outdoor activities.
Incredibly simple tasks like checking the weather forecast and doing a visual inspection of the area are two easy ways that on can easily prevent some unforeseen tragedy.
Always following warning signs, while also staying informed of any hazards in your local river or lake are more easy-to-follow guidelines listed in the press release.
When heading out for a lake day with the family, always ensure that young children are supervised. Pre-school-aged children can drown in only a few centimetres of water, with the drowning usually silent.
Additionally, young children should always be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult, as being a competent young swimmer and swim lessons still do not replace the need to supervise children around water.
Ultimately, the BC Coroners Service states that it is generally unsafe to swim alone. Swimming in pairs, to ensure that you can look out for one another, is always recommended, so that you can always safely enjoy the summer water fun.