NORTH COWICHAN— With this long stretch of hot weather in the Valley, more and more people will go out and enjoy the water at local lakes, rivers, oceans or back yard pools. The concern is the number of drowning deaths that occur each year and that rises considerably in the summer months. In a typical summer, someone in B.C. drowns

every other day.

“Unfortunately, these statistics are so predictable that we can say that on a Saturday afternoon in July, a male aged 18 to 24 years will drown,” said Dale Miller, Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society, BC & Yukon Branch.

A recent report from the B.C. Coroner’s Service Child Death Review Unit found that after vehicle accidents, drowning is the next major cause of accidental deaths of children. Between 2003 and 2004, 17 children died in recreational waters, as well as bathtubs, backyard swimming pools and hot tubs. The report recommended that children over age four be taught how to swim, and that young children always be supervised playing in and around water.

Young children can drown in a few inches of water because they lack the strength to turn face up, especially if the surface is slippery. The Lifesaving Society says children should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when they are near the water and should wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Adults should also

wear a PFD when boating, since many drowning victims do not expect to end up in the water, but fall overboard when a boat unexpectedly capsizes. Other tips include:

• Swim parallel and close to shore when swimming in a lake or river, because distances are difficult to judge in the water.

• Lakes and rivers can be very cold even in summer and swimmers can tire quickly. Don’t overrate your stamina in cold water.

• Reduce your risk by taking an accredited course on boating or water safety

• Party Safely This Summer. Everyone knows that they should not drink and drive and about having a designated driver at parties. The same is true when boating or partying at the pool or lake. Boats and alcohol are often a deadly combination. At parties held near water, hosts should ensure that one or two people who are good swimmers stay sober. People are also encouraged to learn basic lifesaving techniques including: CPR, first aid and water rescue, if they are going to be spending time on or near the water.

North Cowichan also provides lifeguards at three outdoor locations during the summer. They are: Fuller Lake Park, Crofton Community Pool and Kinsmen Park Pool.