Health & Wellness

Summer Safety: Preventing drowning when enjoying the water

Summer is in full swing and many people in B.C. are enjoying lakes, rivers and swimming pools. Water sports are a great way to stay active and have fun. However, there's a risk of drowning whenever you're enjoying the water.

“Water activities like swimming and boating can be a lot of fun and a great way to cool down, but drowning is a danger we all need to think about," says Mike Adams, team lead with Interior Health's Healthy Communities team.

“Drowning can happen fast, sometimes in less than a minute."

Tips to prevent drowning

Drowning is almost always preventable. Adams says you and your family can play it safe this summer by following these tips for water safety: 

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Do not go beyond your abilities. Do not go farther or into deeper water than you can handle.
  • Never dive into unknown water. Underwater objects may appear deeper than they really are
  • Don’t mix alcohol or substance use with water activities
  • Always supervise children when around water. A child can drown in seconds in only a few inches of water.
  • Install four-sided fencing around pools with a gate that cannot be opened by a child, and child proof or lock doors that open directly to a backyard pool area
  • Learn life-saving techniques including CPR and artificial respiration
  • Take a marine safety course
  • Always wear a life-jacket when on a boat, personal water craft (such as a Jet Ski), paddle board or any other water craft. Nearly 90 per cent of all boaters who drown are not wearing a life-jacket or not wearing it properly
  • Always have a spotter when towing people who are skiing, wake boarding or riding on an inflatable
  • Use caution when near water. Falling into a pool or other body of water can be very dangerous. If you hit your head and become unconscious, you can drown very quickly.

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