Photo: File photo
The Okanagan and Shuswap are home to BC’s deadliest lakes
With a heat wave continuing through the BC Day long weekend, locals and tourists alike will be looking to cool off at their favorite swimming destination.
And with the risk of drowning at its highest during the summer, the BC Injury Prevention Unit at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers a timely reminder to play safe.
An average of 75 people die in BC each year from drowning, with young men and children under five at highest risk.
“Drowning can happen quickly and silently, but it’s preventable and there are lots of ways to be water smart to keep you and your loved ones safe,” says Dr Ian Pike, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics.
A BC Coroners Service report on accidental drowning deaths from 2008 to 2018 shows Okanagan Lake is the deadliest in BC, with 28 deaths during that period.
Shuswap Lake saw 13 deaths, Kalamalka Lake 10, Skaha and Wood Lakes six each, and there were five deaths at Mara Lake.
More than one in three accidental drowning deaths (34%) occurred in the Interior Health Authority region.
The vast majority of drowning victims were men (79%).
Alcohol or drugs contributed to 38% of drowning deaths.
In terms of rivers, the Fraser was the deadliest, with 47 lives lost.
The Thompson River claimed 14, the Similkameen River six, and the Shuswap River six.
Somewhat surprisingly, only 4% of drownings occurred in swimming pools, less than in the bathtub (8%).
According to the report, 20% of near-drowning survivors suffer permanent brain damage.
The Children’s Hospital offers the following drowning prevention advice.
- Swim smart: Even strong swimmers can get swept away by strong currents or overestimate their ability. Do not swim in large waves or strong undertows.
- Wear a life jacket or PFD: When you are surfing, model the behavior you want to see in your children.
- Life jacket vs. PFD: Lifejackets will flip your back even if you’re unconscious. PFDs are lighter and less bulky, but are only approved for recreational use, and self-inflating PFDs are only for over 16s.
- Put away the phone: Most drownings in young children occur when there is no one supervising them or the supervisor is distracted. Small children or weak swimmers should be kept at a distance from caregivers.
- Very young children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Remember to drain kiddie pools and empty water containers after use.
- Do not drink: refrain from consuming alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities. Save the alcohol for when you’re docked.