World Drowning Prevention Day is an important reminder to take water safety seriously as residents and visitors return to the Elk River and nearby lakes.
Observed annually on July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day raises awareness of a preventable tragedy that claims more than 300,000 lives each year—more than 30 every hour.
Children face some of the greatest risks. Almost one-quarter of global drowning victims are under five, while drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children aged five to 14. People under 29 account for more than half of all drowning fatalities.
These statistics may be global, but the safety message applies directly in Fernie.
The Elk River becomes a popular destination for tubing, paddling and floating during the summer. It is also a cold, uncontrolled natural waterway with swift currents, log jams, submerged debris and changing conditions.
Lakes can also become dangerous when winds increase and waves develop, particularly for children and people using small inflatables or paddleboards.
World Drowning Prevention Day Elk River safety tips:
Keep floats bridge to bridge
Fernie Search and Rescue strongly advises recreational floaters to use the popular bridge-to-bridge section, from the North Fernie bridge to the downtown bridge.
This is considered the most manageable section for recreational floating, but it still requires caution, preparation and proper equipment. Longer sections should only be attempted by experienced river users with suitable, steerable watercraft.
No paddle means no control
Tubes and basic inflatables without paddles provide little ability to avoid log jams, sweepers, bridge structures or other hazards.
The river determines where an uncontrolled inflatable travels. A paddle and steerable watercraft are essential for longer routes.
Never use an ankle leash on a river
An ankle or calf leash can become a serious entrapment hazard while paddleboarding in moving water.
The leash may catch on a log, rock, branch or submerged object while the current continues to push the paddler downstream. The force of the water can make the leash difficult or impossible to reach and release.
An ankle leash commonly used on lakes or open water should never be used while paddleboarding on the Elk River or any other river.
Supervise children closely
Children should never float the river alone. They must be accompanied by an attentive adult with river experience.
Supervision should continue from the time children approach the water until everyone is safely back on shore. Young children should remain within immediate reach.
Wear a properly fitted PFD
Every river user should wear a personal flotation device suited to their size and weight.
A PFD is essential, but it does not eliminate the risks presented by cold water, strong currents, log jams or entanglement.
Share your float plan
Tell someone where you are entering the river, where you plan to exit and when you expect to arrive.
Do not continue beyond the planned takeout point without updating the person who has your trip information.
Report lost watercraft
If a tube, paddleboard or other watercraft is lost but everyone reaches shore safely, notify the RCMP or Fernie Search and Rescue.
An abandoned watercraft may otherwise trigger an unnecessary search for a missing person. Call 911 immediately when someone is missing or in danger.
Avoid alcohol and impairment
Alcohol and drugs reduce judgment, coordination and reaction time. Never enter the river while impaired or rely on an impaired adult to supervise children.
Respect the river
The Elk River is one of Fernie’s greatest natural attractions, but its power should never be underestimated.
The safest option for inexperienced river users and families is to travel with a professional river outfitter. Fernie has two reputable operators offering guided trips, trained guides and appropriate safety equipment.
Prepare properly, supervise children and respect changing conditions. A summer day on the water should end with everyone returning safely to shore.
editor
