Listen Live

Island Health urges water safety to prevent drownings

As people head to the water this summer, Island Health urges you to be water safe.

In an Accidental Drowning Deaths report by the BC Coroners Service, Island Health saw 23 fatal drownings last year, higher than the 11-year historical average of 17 drownings.

The Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon says 80 percent of drownings happen in bodies of water like lakes and rivers, with the health authority adding that drowning deaths are most likely to happen in the summer, especially in July, August, and on weekends.

“People at higher risk of drownings including males, people with underlying medical conditions, such as seizures, people with autism spectrum disorder and newcomers to Canada,” said Island Health.

Injury Prevention Lead Neil Arason says with the weather getting warmer, it’s important for people to learn how to swim, as lessons might lower the risk of drowning in children under four years old.

“Swimming skills are just one part of a robust safety plan, that also includes close, constant, attentive supervision, and learning lifesaving skills,” said Arason.

To prevent drownings, Island Health, along with the Lifesaving Society, are offering free Swim to Survive Programs to those in remote and underserved areas.

The programs would teach you the skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep waters, with plans to roll out sessions across communities this summer.

To stay water safe, the health authority asks you to not only learn swimming, but to also keep young kids within arm’s reach, stay sober, and wear a Lifejacket.

More tips can be found here.

Continue Reading

cfcp Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

BCGEU members head back to work as they vote on tentative agreement

Public service workers with the the B.C. General Employees Union (BCGEU) are back on the job Monday after the union and the province reached a tentative agreement over the weekend.  The post BCGEU members head back to work as they vote on tentative agreement appeared first on AM 1150.

Lake Trail School’s Repair Cafe returns in November

A popular event hosted by the Lake Trail Community Education Society (LTCES) is returning for its fourth year. 

HAIR AND NOW – OCTOBER 24 EPISODE

Hair and Now with Host Kent Schumaker. Friday October 24, 2025. Jon Bon Jovi announces 'we're back, we're hitting the road', and we hear quite possible the best band to ever come out of Scotland.

Province rolls out updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for fall

B.C. officials say it’s time to roll up your sleeves as we enter the fall virus season.  The post Province rolls out updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for fall appeared first on AM 1150.

B.C. attorney general welcomes proposed federal bail reforms targeting repeat violent offenders

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said proposed changes to Canada’s bail laws reflect the province’s push for tougher rules targeting repeat and violent offenders.  The post B.C. attorney general welcomes proposed federal bail reforms targeting repeat violent offenders appeared first on AM 1150.
- Advertisement -