Image Credit: CFJC Today / Adam Donnelly

By Jill Sperling

Water Safety

Tips for staying safe while on the water

Aug 5, 2020 | 4:51 PM

KAMLOOPS — Many people are choosing to spend the hot sunny days out on the water, but there are a few basic safety tips to know before enjoying the region’s rivers and lakes.

According to retired firefighter Andy Philpot, anyone going out boating should make sure the boat is in good mechanical condition with plenty of fuel.

It’s important to have a life jacket for every person on board and to have some knowledge of the area you are boating.

“Before you go out, you should also have a look at the weather,” Philpot said. “Even here on the river, this afternoon is quite nice. We usually have afternoon breezes that start coming up in the late afternoon, and if you happen to be going down the river it can take the river from what it is like right now to whitecaps in a matter of a few minutes.”

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Philpot says there seems to be a high number of people who are drowning while swimming in B.C. this year.

He says this can happen when people misjudge their abilities.

“They’re swimming in water that probably they shouldn’t be in or they’ve been cliff jumping, they hit the water, get the wind knocked out of them and go under, and you just can’t make it back to the surface. Know your limits.”

Philpot adds alcohol and boating or swimming does not mix.