BC RCMP says it’s seen a rise in drownings in recent months, some of which may be due to people’s unfamiliarity with the province’s waters in backcountry areas.
“It is thought that people are travelling further into the wilderness given that many of the usual recreational areas have been closed,” said Sgt. Steven Pebernat, diving coordinator for BC RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team.
“What we are seeing a lot of this year in particular is individuals who are not familiar with B.C.’s waters getting themselves into precarious and consequential situations by not taking safety precautions and not being informed of water conditions or their abilities.”
However, the BC Coroner’s Service says death totals are comparable to historical years.
The Underwater Recovery Team (URT) works across the province, and some recent investigations have included “complex recoveries from areas of the province that URT does not often attend,” according to BC RCMP.
The URT has also seen a steady increase of new Canadians or foreign nationals that have passed away in B.C.’s waters.
The team is reminding people that water in B.C. can be cold, and many creeks and rivers have strong currents – meaning it’s important to research and plan ahead, let someone know where you’re going and bring necessary equipment to navigate the waters.
The URT has also offered the following safety tips:
- Always swim with a buddy, and play and swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
- Don’t leave children unsupervised. Drowning can occur in as little as 10 seconds.
- If you can’t swim, wear a lifejacket or PFD at all times.
- Stay alert. Observe the conditions closely before you step out onto the shoreline and keep an eye on incoming waves.
