Health, rescue officials urge caution, preparedness as Kamloops’ summer injury cases rise

Planning ahead, prepared responses and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) made the difference in being proactive verses reactive.

While every activity comes with their own risks, Dr. Mema said many emergency department visits can be missed by simply:

Thinking ahead
Knowing you and your group’s – or family’s – limits
Avoiding alcohol or drugs when participating in high-risk activities.

“One poor decision can be very costly. From an injury ending in the emergency department to death and, it’s very important that people are mindful, in how they engage.”

Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) said it’s about normalizing a safety plan.

“Being proactive is all about being prepared and just thinking about your journey from start to finish. If things go wrong. What’s my plan A, plan B, plan C, so that you have a way to deal with those types of emergencies.” stated Paula Davies, president of Kamloops Search and Rescue.

KSAR has the first-hand experience in seeing these risky trends increase every summer, responding to calls involving hikers, bodies of water and more.

“All of them come with risks and dangers. Have life jackets with you. When you get to wherever you’re going, have a look around and see, you know, assess the situation,” said Frank Pryce, vice-president of KSAR. “If there’s a whole pile of boats going around and you planned on going canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, any of that, and there’s a whole pile of boats around, maybe consider going somewhere else.”

KSAR urges residents to act with preparation, often being the difference between a ‘close call’ and a rescue.

Friday (July 10), Kamloops RCMP released a water safety video reminding people to wear a personal floatation device, avoid alcohol or substances around water, and keep a close eye on children.

Additionally, law enforcement reiterated that even on hot days, rivers and lakes can remain dangerously cold.

Interior Health is also encouraging families to make safety part of their daily summer plans by talking about the risks before heading out for an activity.

Both organizations said a few minutes of preparation, and using resources like Interior Health’s online summer safety tips, can help keep the season memorable for all the right reasons.

by Jeremy Russo

Health, rescue officials urge caution, preparedness as Kamloops’ summer injury cases rise

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