In 2023, there were 101 accidental drownings at beaches, lakes and rivers around Vancouver Island, according to Island Health. In response, the Lifesaving Society, British Columbia and Yukon are installing WaterWise Booths for National Drowning Prevention Week, July 21-27.
The booths will be at Thetis Lake, Dallas Beach, Florence Lake, and Durrance Lake and aim to help Canadians connect with inclusive, innovative, and culturally safe programs. Here is the schedule:
- Thetis Lake - July 21;
- Durrance Lake - July 24;
- Florence Lake - July 26;
- Thetis Lake - July 27.
According to the Lifesaving Society of BC, newcomers to Canada often face challenges when learning to be safe in the water and have partnered with DIVERSEcity, a community services provider that operates in Surrey, Langley, Delta and White Rock.
DIVERSEcity's website describes its organization as a registered charity in British Columbia that has been working with community and Indigenous partners since 1978.
According to a press release from the Lifesaving Society, British Columbia, and Yukon, the partnership will allow newcomers to Canada to learn the vital steps of Swim to Survive, a Canadian standard for all children's swimming skills.
This comes a month after a 17-year-old died a few days after drowning in Langford Lake.
Also in an effort to prevent other drowning from happening, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has installed life jackets and flotation rings at Hamsterly Beach at Elk Lake and the main beach at Thetis Lake.
