The Okanagan and Shuswap are home to the deadliest lakes in B.C With a heat wave continuing over the BC Day 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 Research Unit at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers a timely reminder to play it 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 many ways to be smart about keeping you and your loved ones safe,” says Dr. Ian Pike, professor in UBC’s Department of Paediatrics. A BC Coroners Service report on accidental drowning deaths between 2008 and 2018 shows Okanagan Lake is BC’s deadliest, with 28 deaths during that time. Shuswap Lake had 13 deaths, Kalamalka Lake 10, Skaha and Wood lakes six each and Mara Lake five. More than one in three accidental drowning deaths (34%) occurred in the Interior Health Authority area. 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. Surprisingly, only 4% of drownings occurred in swimming pools, less than in the bathtub (8%). Of the near-drowning survivors, 20 percent suffer permanent brain damage, the report notes. Children’s Hospital offers the following choking prevention tips.
Swim smart: Even strong swimmers can be swept away by strong currents or overestimate their abilities. Do not swim in large waves or strong currents. Wear a life jacket or PFD: When boating, model the behavior you want to see in your children. Life Jacket vs. PFD: Life jackets will turn you onto 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 people over 16 years of age. Put the phone away: Most drownings in young children occur when no one is watching them or when the watcher is distracted. Small children or weak swimmers should be a few feet away from caregivers. Very young children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Remember to drain pools and empty water containers after use. Do not drink: Avoid using alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities. Save the alcohol for when you’re at anchor.
