By Brent Bosker

Parkland pushes water safety with drownings on the rise

Jul 30, 2011 | 11:36 AM

Tragedy has struck Saskatchewan waterways too many times this year.

With more than 20 drownings so far, the Saskatchewan Lifesaving Society said Saskatchewan has already hit the typical number of deaths for an entire year.

“Fortunately, in our local area I’m not aware, or have we seen … a significant increase in water related emergencies,” said Lyle Karasiuk, Parkland Ambulance spokesman.

“Many of the folks I think have heeded our message, and have done so smartly and have chosen the right course.”

The Saskatchewan Lifesaving society suggests that the upswing in drownings in this province has something to do with the widespread flooding.

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

15m ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

4h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

7h ago

“Where someone may have had a cottage on a Saskatchewan lake or river for the last 20 years and feels that they know the waterways very, very well, with the water level being so high it’s significantly different,” said Shawn Weimer, society spokesman, who explained the trend is being seen not only in Saskatchewan, but the rest of the country too.

It’s important people do not forget about safety when enjoying the lake this long weekend, said Karasiuk.

“Many cases can be prevented by simply wearing a life jacket.”

It’s also important to know the rules of the waterway, Karasiuk said. “(Take) precautions, like listening to the local media for weather alerts and not heading out during bad weather.”

Karasiuk uses a story about some people boating on Anglin Lake this summer as a good lesson for others.

“The water happened to be a little choppy for them and they ended up overturning their canoe, nothing tragic other than getting a whole lot wet, but again an incident that reminds all of us to take those precautions and be smart on the waterway.”

bbosker@panow.com