What's more fun than bringing out the ole' speed boat for a refreshing lap around the lake?
For many Tri-Cities residents, this is one of the most exciting moments on the summer calendar.
For RCMP, however, those that don't take the proper precautions could end up in an accident, in a hospital, or worse
The Coquitlam detachment is recognizing national drowning prevention week by reminding everyone to wear lifejackets when out on the water — adults and kids.
Police stress the importance of wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) as there may not be any time to put one on if an incident takes place.
In a release today (July 19), local Mounties also encourage the public to wear a PFD for any form of water transportation, including all boats, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes.
Spokesperson Const. Deanna Law states to always aware of the water's surroundings and to take all steps necessary so "everyone's experience on the water [can be] a safe and enjoyable one."
She adds "water temperatures are still cold even though air temperatures are rising."
As well, Law strongly encourages boat operators to not drink and drive as impaired laws are the same on water as they are on land.
In B.C., to date, there have been 16 drowning incidents reported by the Lifesaving Society's provincial branch, the most recent taking place just three days ago.
The organization states 37 per cent took place on a lake or pond, 78 per cent were drowning males and 55 per cent of the boating cases involved a power boat.
According to Health Canada's latest stats available, 32 people across the country have died from a drowning since 2011 out of 918 cases — 50 per cent were children aged four years and younger.
Of the 918 reports, nearly 60 per cent were men that were taken to a hospital's emergency department.
Other water safety tips from local Mounties include:
- If you cannot swim, stay out of the water and seek the shade instead
- Children and non-swimmers should always be supervised around water
- Watch your speed. Don’t race to the lake and don’t race on the lake. Speed is a major contributor to incidents on the roadways and on the water
- Do not put your feet in fast moving water that is deeper than the length of your arm. If a foot becomes entrapped by rocky bottom in deep water, the current will eventually push the swimmer over into the water
- Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drowning, always be familiar of where you are swimming and the possibility of unknown/strong currents
- If you are going to a less-traveled area, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
You can also visit Coquitlam Search and Rescue's (SAR) website for tips on exploring the outdoors.
National drowning prevention week began on Sunday (July 17) and ends its campaign on Saturday (July 23).
