With the last long weekend of the summer coming up, one in which many folks like to max out on their last opportunity to enjoy water adventuring before the cooler fall temperatures claim that pastime, the B.C. Coroners Service has a sombre warning.
There has already been an increase of more than 50 per cent this year over the past two years in the number of drownings in B.C. lakes, rivers and coastal waters this year.
Recreational incidents have resulted in 34 drownings this year, compared to 22 in July and August of 2011, and 24 in the same period in 2010.
About half of this year's deaths were in lakes, with 11 in rivers, six in saltwater and two in swimming pools.
A sobering note for the guys out there: Only five of the drowning victims were female.
The coroner's office notes that many of the deaths could have been prevented by straightforward water safety precautions.
It's tempting to go out and let loose, to enjoy our beautiful lakes, rivers and oceanside amenities as the summer draws to its close, but try not to let so loose that you don't get to experience the beautiful colours of autumn, which are also worth living for.
