As we enter the peak of summer, Amanda Beavers, Program Coordinator with the Lifesaving Society BC, offers some boating tips that could help save a life while on the water this summer.
According to Beavers, preparation is essential before setting sail. She strongly recommends checking the weather forecast before heading out, as sudden weather changes can create dangerous conditions on the water.
Planning your trip and communicating your plans are equally essential. Beavers says this can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong, as it provides a reference point in case rescue efforts are necessary.
Equipment
Beavers says having the right safety and boating equipment on board for everyone is critical.
Life jackets should be on board and worn by each passenger, as well as essential items such as a whistle, a bucket, a rope, a light, and a paddle.
“These tools can be critical in a crisis, providing means to signal for help, manage water intake, and navigate if the engine fails.”
Mistakes to avoid
Beavers notes that in many cases, excitement can lead to safety oversights, such as improperly assigning roles on the water.
“We often see the driver trying to act as the spotter for someone being towed on a wakeboard or tube,” says Beavers.
“The driver should focus on navigating and keeping everyone safe, while another person is designated as the spotter.”
Equally important is ensuring your educated on the local hazards in the body of water you’re boating in.
“Know the environment where they’re going and consider the weather because when weather changes, we’re at the mercy of it. Mother nature is way more powerful than we are so know those unexpected hazards.”
How to Handle an Emergency
If an emergency occurs, such as someone falling overboard, Beavers says maintaining composure is key.
“You’re going to want to get into a recovery position. Be relaxed, lay on your back for a moment while you orient yourself to where shore is. Use the whistle on your life jacket to call for help.”
She says the open bodies of water in BC are all cold, and in the Kootenays specifically, you can develop hypothermia within three minutes.
If you find yourself overboard, staying calm is important in preventing hypothermia from setting in.
“You want to take a deep breath, relax, and then start to transition yourself towards shore. Get it in your eyesight and head in that direction. Blow your whistle; don’t waste your energy calling for help. That won’t transfer along the water as loudly as using your whistle.”
A report from the BC Coroners Service showed that 18 per cent of the province’s total accidental drowning deaths in 2023 occurred while boating, with a third of the province’s total accidental drowning deaths occurring in BC’s southern interior region.
More information on safe boating practices and the Lifesaving Society of BC can be found here.
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