WATCH: Keith Tyler from St. John’s Ambulance has important safety information and reminders about the danger of water during Drowning Prevention Week.
Swimming in the summer is something a lot of people look forward to. But St. John’s Ambulance is reminding the public about water safety during the Drowning Prevention Week. The warning comes in light of two boating incidents.
On July 20, at Jericho Beach, two boaters collided and one operator ended up with a broken leg. Another incident happened on July 21 at Third Beach, where a boat hit two waves, throwing the operator off. With drowning being the third leading cause of accidental death in Canada, Keith Tyler from St. John’s Ambulance in BC & Yukon shared some important information about drowning prevention.
“Drowning is actually the second highest cause of preventable death for children under the age of ten, so it’s really important we take this seriously,” says Tyler.
One of the most dangerous hazards for beach goers is rip currents, and according to Keith, they are dark in colour and move very fast.
“Rip currents can be very strong and you probably won’t be able to swim against them,” he says. “So you are going to get swept out into deeper water. If you find yourself in one of these currents, stay calm and swim horizontal to the beach.”
Tyler also recommends using a buddy system, something he uses with his own family.
He also warns against swimming while drunk. Something that, he says, seems like common sense, but apparently isn’t.
“Anywhere up to 60 per cent of boating accidents are alcohol related. Fifty-three per cent of deaths are during momentary absence of caregiver and many drowning deaths are completely silent.”
According to the Life Saving Society Drowning Report, there were 62 preventable-water-related deaths in B.C last year, with a total of 308 deaths across Canada.
For more information, go here.
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