People cooling off from this stretch of dry and hot weather are being urged to be careful, after 41 people have died in the province so far this year.
“Unfortunately from year to year we do see the same types of incidents occurring,” said Dale Miller, executive director for the B.C. Yukon branch of the Lifesaving Society. “And it’s the same age groups, and it’s almost always 80 per cent male that are involved in drownings every year.”
“And we will probably see between 60 and 80 this year in B.C. alone.”
Miller said this year has been higher, with 41 already, compared to 25 deaths by this time last year.
He said this year they’ve seen more deaths related to high water than in previous years, but many deaths are often related to summertime drinking.
“40 to 50 per cent of drownings are alcohol related,” he said.
On Thursday a young man died after swimming in Alouette Lake in Maple Ridge. Police say he was swimming with a friend, but are not saying much else about his death or if alcohol was involved.
Saturday is the start of National Drowning Prevention Week to raise more awareness about how to stay safe on and in the water.
“Long term trend in drownings is down, so that’s good news,” said Miller. “We’re very glad about that.”
– With files from Geoff Hastings
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