Police plan lake patrols to keep the water safe

Police are trying to prevent a tragedy before it happens heading into the B.C. Day long weekend.

Boaters are being reminded to make sure their boat is equipped with enough Canadian approved life jackets to fit themselves and everyone on board before heading out on the water.

Mounties say wearing a life jacket, or personal flotation device, is the best defence for surviving cold-water shock and hypothermia.

Statistics show that fatal drownings are most common in the summer months, peaking at an average of 13 deaths per year in July. The majority of decedents, 79 per cent, were male and 87 per cent were known to reside in B.C. Individuals aged 19-29 account for 23 per cent of the deaths, followed by 17 per cent of 50-59 year-olds and 80 per cent of drownings occur as a result of not using a lifejacket.

“Beware of fatigue, sun, wind and boat motion,” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer with the Kelowna RCMP. “All can dull your senses and impair fine motor skills and judgment. Recently in the Okanagan, we have witnessed tragedy where people have lost their life as a result of drowning. These are unfortunate and avoidable tragic events.”

Boat operators are also advised to make sure their vessel is equipped with the proper required safety equipment such as sound signals, bailers, oars/paddles/anchor, flares and fire extinguishers.

“Please check the Safety Boating Guide or Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to see the requirements for the size of your vessel. Items such as navigation lights are a must when operating the vessel in restricted visibility or at night,” explained Della-Paolera. “Also, ensure that the vessel is registered/licenced and the operator has a proper operator licence such as Pleasure Craft Operator Card for pleasure crafts with engines over 10 horsepower.”

Della-Paolera said the Kelowna RCMP will be out all weekend in Okanagan Lake conducting safety patrols.