Summer fun on the lake can get you killed
The statistics show it: Okanagan Lake is a dangerous lake, with an average of three drownings per year.
And Bruce Hayne, executive director of Boating B.C., has a short but impactful phrase to deliver to boaters.
“Excuses don’t float. The idea is that too many people have an excuse for why they aren’t prepared and why they’re aren’t doing things safely on the water,” said Hayne.
“Our job is to get the word out there that excuses don’t float. You need to boat sober, you need to have the proper safety equipment, you need to let people know when you’re leaving and when you’ll be back – what we call a float plan.”
The upcoming May long weekend signals the start of the recreational boating season across Canada, and Boating B.C. would like people to learn more about boating safety and take action during National Safe Boating Week May 20-26.
“Boating is so much fun and it is an activity that can be done safely but it can turn deadly in a second. Weather is unpredictable, other boats can be unpredictable,” said Hayne. “People are out enjoying the day, they’re towing their kids
on tubes, everything seems perfect, but they may not be looking out for potential dangers, so we’re asking people to just be aware.”
The B.C. Coroners Service says there were 34 deaths from 2017 to 2022 in the Okanagan health service delivery area which extends to Sicamous, 15 of those in Okanagan Lake. 2022 was deadlier than most years, said Hayne, and it’s possible that the number of new post-pandemic boaters is a factor.
“During COVID there was an almost 100 per cent increase in pleasure craft operator cards being issued by Transport Canada, and as a result there has been a significant increase in new and inexperienced boaters on our lakes and waterways in the last couple of years,” said Hayne.
“Now, as we have emerged from COVID, the lakes have become busier and you have inexperienced boaters on the lakes and accidents can occur.
“There are many new boaters who may not be aware of safety guidelines along with those with some level of experience who may require a refresher.”
The number of drownings doesn’t need to be so high, Hayne said.
“What makes these statistics both incredibly sad and frustrating is the fact that the vast majority are preventable,” Hayne said.
“And that is why we are appealing for people to get out and enjoy themselves on the water, but also be attentive. And above all, don’t drink, and wear a life jacket.”
Boating or water skiing on Okanagan Lake, houseboating on Shuswap Lake, or fishing in Christina Lake or Allison Lake are summer activities that thousands of people enjoy, but those inviting blue waters aren’t as benign as they look, and Hayne encourages anyone having fun on the water to prepare for a safe and memorable experience.
“British Columbia is home to some of the greatest waterways in the world, but they also possess inherent dangers if caution and common sense aren’t used,” he said.
If you haven’t completed your safety course, go to boatingbc.ca for information on how to do so. The website also offers information on how to get started in boating and tips on boating safety.