Over the last week, the BC Coroners Service has responded to six drowning incidents across the province involving swimming, boating, cliff-diving, or falling from big heights.
As a result, they’re reminding the public to consider all forms of extra precaution around our lakes rivers, and oceans this summer.
In a statement, Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe says this includes wearing a life-jacket.
“I cannot stress too strongly the need for all recreational boaters, including paddlers, to wear a properly fitted personal floatation device (PFD), not just have one in the boat with them. Additionally children, non-swimmers, and weak swimmers should wear a PFD anytime they’re in or near the water.”
Lapointe adds for those housing visitors from other regions in the province, Canada, or even other countries, she suggests teaching them how BC waters tend to be cooler than in other areas.
BC Coroners emphasize as well to not mix alcohol with any form of water activity as having a 0.10 blood-alcohol level could impair coordination and judgement
In 2016, a total of 47 accidental drownings were reported; that’s the lowest number for BC in the past decade and a near decrease of 50% from 80 incidents in 2015.
Something going on in the Nechako Valley area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
