North Vancouver RCMP issue water safety tips for summer

With consistent summer weather and ideal temperatures arriving earlier than normal this year, many North Vancouver residents will find themselves spending more time outdoors. Locals and visitors alike will head out to enjoy the many excellent hiking trails, lakes and rivers that North Vancouver has to offer.

While beautiful, many of these natural waterways are fast moving, cold and often unpredictable. When considering taking part in popular summer pastimes like swimming, fishing or hiking near these bodies of water, it is important to be mindful of the hazards and unseen risks that could lead to accident, injury or worse.

With the beautiful and sunny weather we’ve had lately, we wanted to take time and remind North Van residents to tread carefully when spending time around the water, said Cst. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP. It is vitally important to be mindful of areas of fast flowing water and strong currents, even if you do not plan on getting wet. Slippery rocks, drop-offs and unseen debris can lead to potentially dangerous situations.

North Vancouver RCMP will be patrolling North Vancouver’s waters and shorelines throughout the summer, enforcing local, Provincial and Federal laws.

*Stats courtesy of: Drowning Board & Map | The Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon. 

Here are a few simple safety tips to remember:

• If you cannot swim, stay out of the water and seek the shade instead.
• Wear a personal flotation device. Tragedy can strike in an instant. Do not assume that you will have time to put on a life jacket.
• Do not put your feet in fast moving water that is deeper than the length of your arm. If a foot becomes entrapped by rocky bottom in deep water, the current will eventually push the swimmer over face first into the water.
• If you are going to a less-traveled area, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Always remember that alcohol and water do not mix.

Water safety

• Not wearing a life jacket or personal floatation device is a contributing factor in many deaths on the water, including 84 per cent of boating deaths.
• In water below 15 degrees Celsius, life jackets provide insulation and help avoid cold water shock and hypothermia — dangers even the strongest swimmers can't avoid.
• Every boat in Canada, including canoes and kayaks, must have a Canadian-approved personal floatation device for each person, according to Canadian Small Vessel Regulations. Much like seatbelts, life jackets are ineffective if not used correctly.
• Operating a vessel with improper or inaccessible life jackets and safety equipment can lead to a fine of at least $200.
• Supervision is essential for safety. Children should be kept within an adult's sight and reach. A child can drown in as little as an inch of water and two-thirds of drowning deaths among children under 5 happen when supervision is absent.
• The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends swimming lessons for all children over 4. Nevertheless, confident swimming cannot replace adult supervision.