What you need to know about water safety as a newcomer to B.C. — or anyone going for an open water swim

There's been a big emphasis on water safety in recent years, with the hopes of curbing drowning trends in B.C. 

But concerns remain about the lack of training for many people, including newcomers to B.C.

"We don't actually have numbers of drownings that correlate directly to newcomers to Canada. It is a trend that we're seeing and we're not even necessarily seeing it with fatal drownings, but we're seeing it in drowning rescues as well," said Kimiko Hirakida, director, programs and services, Lifesaving Society of B.C. and Yukon.

"We are getting feedback from our lifeguards that, quite consistently, they are retrieving people who are new to Canada." 

In April, a man drowned off Wreck Beach near the University of British Columbia. His body was found on Third Beach in Stanley Park a day later. He was identified as a 26-year-old from India who had arrived in Canada last year. 

Last summer, a report from the B.C. Coroners Service showed 101 people died by accidental drowning in 2023. 

In 2022, there were 86 deaths, while the annual average from 2012 to 2022 was 76, the service said in another report. Of those, 85 per cent were people who "were known to have resided in B.C."

CBC News has reached out to the Coroners Service about the number for 2024.

"If somebody is relocating to an area with a lot of open water, there should be a little bit of education on how you can be safe and take some safety courses ... that will help educate you and your family on how to have water-smart attitudes," Hirakida said. 

Christine Baker, communications and community relations board member, Vancouver Openwater Swim Association, said in an interview that the goal isn't to scare people, adding, "You can absolutely swim in the ocean safely." 

"But unless you're an extraordinarily experienced swimmer, always swim someplace with lifeguards when you're swimming in the ocean. I feel like that would be my key thing," she said. 

While it's unknown if the man who drowned last month knew how to swim, both Hirakida and Baker said there are important points everyone should know when in open water — no matter their experience. 

The water is cold

If you're swimming in the ocean, don't expect it to be particularly warm, especially this time of year.

The temperature can affect your movements. Add waves to the mix, and Baker said, "It can mess with your equilibrium."

"Swimming is a skill, and the ocean is a little bit of an advanced course. You don't have to be a perfect swimmer to swim in the ocean, but the ocean, it does have tides, and it can be really cold, and things that can happen can be unexpected," she said.

Trouble happens fast

Speaking of the unexpected, Hirakida said many people don't understand how quickly trouble can happen in open water. This was something observed by Lifesaving Society lifeguards at Buntzen and Hayward lakes last year, she said. 

"Just because we can swim well in a pool … it doesn't directly translate to how we can swim in open water," she said. 

Baker agrees, adding you should never swim alone. 

"My main advice for open water swimming, if someone is new to it, you've got to go someplace with lifeguards," she explained. "Learning to swim is something that you really want to do in a pool."

And don't forget — alcohol and drugs never mix with water safety, Hirakida stressed.

Hazards

Even if the water looks calm, objects, vessels, and debris can come up quickly.

Baker said people tend to forget how "invisible" a swimmer can be to boats, kayakers, and others on the water. 

"I think the chance of getting struck by something is higher than people might expect … And again, you don't necessarily know about the current — things can look a bit calmer on top and things could be going on under the water," she said.

'Bright is best'

To help be more visible in the water, careful consideration of what you're wearing can make a difference.

"Remember that bright is best," Hirakida said, noting darker colours can be difficult to spot in the water.

She recommends going for bright-coloured bathing suits and life jackets.

Swim to Survive

With concerns ongoing, Hirakida said the Lifesaving Society has teamed up with various groups in the Lower Mainland to help fill the gap for newcomers. 

The Swim to Survive is a national standard, Hirakida explained, teaching people the "minimum skills needed" to survive an unexpected fall into the water. 

So far, she said there's been success with events in Delta and Surrey, with plans in Richmond underway. 

The sessions are free and are offered either with or without a personal flotation device. Hirakida said the society is able to offer the sessions in multiple languages through translators.

The events are all ages, with families encouraged to learn together. Hirakida said some women-only sessions have also been held.

For those with swimming experience who want to expand their abilities in open water, Baker said VOWSA hosts practice swims.

These 90-minute swims are under the supervision of lifeguards in boats in a specific area, and participants are required to sign in and out.