Police and the BC Coroners Service have issued a warning for British Columbians to be extremely cautious while swimming and boating, saying too many people don’t know how dangerous lakes, rivers and even swimming pools can be.
Four people died during water-related accidents this week, including a three-year-old boy in Cowichan and a teenager. People are being urged to use extreme caution and wear personal flotation devices around the water.
The Vancouver police marine unit have also issued a warning for the North Fraser River because of higher than average flow rates.
“During the early summer, due to warm weather and snow melt, many rivers are running faster, deeper and colder,” says Sgt. Norm Webster.
“These conditions could increase the risk to swimmers or anyone who accidentally ends up in the water.”
Police issued the warning for the North Fraser River, but said similar conditions exist on all rivers in the province.
Webster said anyone on or near the North Fraser River should use extreme caution and always wear a personal flotation device.
“Most important,” said Webster, “is not to boat or swim when impaired.”
The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is reminding boaters to educate themselves before heading out on the water, and have developed a free safe boating app for iPhones to help.
The RCM-SAR Safe Boating App is designed to help boaters with voyage planning and provide information on weather. The app also provides information on how to call for a tow, emergency contacts and other procedures should boaters run into trouble on the water.
Beachcombers can also use the app to report debris that continues to wash up on B.C. shores from the 2011 Japanese tsunami.
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