Lifesaving Society of BC urges caution after drowning death in Vancouver

The Lifesaving Society of BC has called for heightened water safety awareness following the drowning of a 26-year-old international student at Wreck Beach. The victim was reported missing after being seen in distress, with his body later discovered at Third Beach. Kimiko Hirakada, a director with the Lifesaving Society, emphasizes the need for swimming education, particularly for newcomers to Canada who may lack prior water safety training. Reports indicate that nearly 75% of drowning deaths in British Columbia between 2010 and 2019 occurred in natural bodies of water, underscoring the dangers. Hirakada advises swimmers to evaluate their skills and be aware of potential hazards like currents and drop-offs.

She encourages learning to swim as a crucial life skill that can prevent drowning. In the event of an emergency, she recommends that bystanders avoid rushing into the water and instead call for help. The Lifesaving Society is also working to provide resources in multiple languages to assist new immigrants in learning how to swim.