Be safe on water, RCMP, Lifesaving Society warn

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This article was published 28/06/2024 (502 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LAC DU BONNET — Cpl. Kathryn Ternier wants to be put out of a job.

The head of the RCMP’s underwater recovery team says they’ve already been called to four drownings this year.

“I want to dive for evidence. I don’t want to dive for bodies because I don’t want there to be anyone losing their life while out on the water having fun,” Ternier said earlier this week on the Town Dock in Lac du Bonnet, in a bid to remind Manitobans to be water safe this Canada Day long weekend.

“Please put me out of a job.”

There have been several drownings in Lac du Bonnet over the years, including one in 2024. There were eight drownings in Manitoba in 2023 and 11 in 2022.

The underwater recovery team helps other branches of the RCMP in locating evidence and helps locate drowning victims.

“Water is very unforgiving. One slip of your foot and you could be fighting for your life,” Ternier said. “This area has lots of swift water and rapids. It is beautiful but (has) deadly natural elements.”

Even strong swimmers can be at risk if they aren’t wearing a personal flotation device or life jacket. Hiking or camping near water can also be dangerous, especially with young children, Ternier said.

Children five and under are at the highest risk of drowning, according to data from the World Health Organization. Drowning only takes 10 seconds and can happen in as little as three inches of water.

Limited swimming skills, alcohol and cannabis use, a lack of supervision and improper safety measures can all contribute to drowning, said Stacey Grocholski, executive director of the Manitoba chapter of the Lifesaving Society. She said there is a misconception that if you’ve been around water a lot or are a strong swimmer that there is no need to wear a life jacket.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a strong swimmer,” she said. “You could be knocked unconscious or your boat could hit a deadhead or hit a rock and you fly out of the boat into the water and you don’t have a life jacket on.”

Grocholski also warned against using large inflatables on open water as wind or currents can carry them away from shore and leave you stranded. Either treat them as a boat — wear life jackets and carry paddles — or tie them to something on shore, she advised.

“We’re here saying these things not because we want to spoil everyone’s fun this summer,” said Grocholski. “We want to prevent drowning and drowning is preventable.”

jura.mcilraith@freepress.mb.ca