Last weekend, the BC Coroners Service began investigations into the tragic deaths of eight individuals who drowned in B.C.’s rivers and lakes. These deaths involved individuals from ages 12 to 75 and occurred in a variety of circumstances.
With the forecast for the next week indicating a return to temperatures in the 30’s, the BC Coroners Service and Emergency Management BC are warning residents and visitors to take extra care when engaging in water-related activities in an effort to prevent further loss of life.
High runoff from the winter’s snowpack and heavy rains during the spring and early summer have left many rivers, streams, and lakes with much higher water levels than is usual at this time of year. As well, many rivers and streams, especially in the southern Interior, are running much faster, and at higher levels, than would normally be expected by the B.C. Day weekend.
The Similkameen River has retreated from spring flood levels, but continues to have higher than normal current. With the warm temperatures, the urge to head out to a favourite swimming hole will hopefully be tempered by knowledge that caution should be exercised.