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.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

View All Stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Sully brings joy to patients, staff at Royal Inland

Sully is a certified therapy dog who, with his handler Mike, visits patients and staff at RIH bringing comfort and moments of joy to those who need it most.

/stories/we-are-ih-sully-brings-joy-patients-staff-royal-inland

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Pharmacy leader grateful to make a difference

Inspired by her patients and colleagues and driven by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives, Kaitlyn finds daily meaning in her work in pharmacy.

/stories/we-are-ih-pharmacy-leader-grateful-make-difference

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
How to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases

Learn about the precautions you can take to prevent tick bites and illnesses, and how to remove a tick on yourself, a family member or pet.

/stories/how-prevent-tick-bites-and-tick-borne-diseases

6 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Pediatrician Dr. Avi Kopstick returns to Canada with care in mind

The KGH Pediatrics team welcomes Dr. Avi Kopstick, a pediatrician and pediatric critical care specialist who until recently was practising in the U.S.

/stories/pediatrician-dr-avi-kopstick-returns-canada-care-mind

2 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Vinni the robot helping surgery patients heal faster

Robotic-assisted surgery is allowing doctors perform complex surgeries with less downtime and pain for patients—much to the excitement of surgeons like Dr. Ho.

/stories/vinni-robot-helping-surgery-patients-heal-faster

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Celebrating a passionate midwife on International Women's Day

For nearly three decades, Joanna Norman has walked alongside families during some of the most profound moments of their lives.

/stories/celebrating-passionate-midwife-international-womens-day

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

Sign up today
mail