Coquitlam RCMP advise water safety precautions for summer activities

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2023-07-27 09:44 PDT

Coquitlam RCMP is reminding the public to be mindful around water this summer.

With the weather warming up, the public will be spending time outdoors, which can include, recreational activities around lakes rivers, backyard pools and kiddie pools. Whether operating a boat, a canoe, a paddleboard, watercraft, or participating in activities like tubing or swimming, it is important to keep water safety top of mind during the summer months.

View larger image - Coquitlam RCMP Rural team enforcing water safety regulations

Most drownings are preventable. Let’s have a fun and safe season together, said Corporal Alexa Hodgins from Coquitlam RCMP.

Recommendations for safe recreation on the water include:

• Avoid impairment – Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code. B.C. Coroners Service released a report summarizing accidental drowning deaths from Jan 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018. In 2018 out of the 64 accidental drowning deaths, 38 of them involved the use of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Share your plans – Share your itinerary and location with someone so that you may be located quickly in case of an emergency.
• Dress to protect – Dress appropriately for the sun, and wear approved life jackets, personal flotation devices, or helmets if required, when on the water. Wearing a life jacket or PFD is the best defence for surviving a water related accident.
• Prepare your boat – Ensure your boat is equipped with emergency safety equipment, extra food, water, clothes, and a satellite phone.
• Supervision – 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.

For more tips, please visit the BC RCMP webpage – Water Safety for Children

Each year there are many preventable water-related incidents. If you see someone struggling in the water, it is important to call them out or coach them to safety. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Have fun - stay safe – see you out on the water this summer!

Released by

Cpl. Alexa Hodgins

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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