Water safety a priority of Penticton Fire Department during August long weekend

The August long weekend is upon us, and that is likely to have the Penticton Fire Department on edge.

The department has been called out to Penticton Channel numerous times in recent weeks for rescues – many of which could have been avoided with a common sense approach.

Plenty of heat and sunshine will no doubt see the Channel packed over the next few days, a scenario which could lead to an increase in calls to the fire department.

”I wouldn’t say I’m frustrated – more concerned about public safety,” said Fire Chief Larry Watkinson Thursday morning. “As we know, Penticton is a location people like to travel to, especially come summer time. Those that are coming from out of town are unaware of the channel’s safety issues. Trying to get that message out consistently and make it available to people is really the key thing I‘m finding frustration with.

“We want people to enjoy the summer activities – but enjoy them safely.”

That in mind, Watkinson reminds everyone how to stay safe when floating down the Channel.

Watkinson’s first point. If you’re a non-swimmer or a swimmer not comfortable in the water, or you’re a child, wear a life jacket. That’s going to avoid any complications.

His next safety tip comes as a result of numerous rescues in recent weeks.

“It’s very important not to tie your flotation devices together. People say they want to stay connected on the channel. You can still do that, but tying your devices together is going to create an incredible hazard when it comes to the abutments or bridge pillars, because tubes typically like to wrap around them,” advised Watkinson. “You can get sucked into a vortex. What happens is that it basically stretches the tubes on either side, the water flips the tubes upside down, and pins the swimmer against the flotation device and the pillar, which gets them stuck, and the water comes in and starts drowning them. When you’re pinned against them with the pressure of the water, you can’t move. You are stuck there.

“Only trained swift water technicians will be able to get you out of that situation.”
In fact, Penticton Fire Department has trained some of its members to handle these types of rescues on the channel.

Every time time the fire department responds to a water emergency, the provincial emergency operations centre pays the costs, which lessens the burden on Penticton taxpayers.

But these avoidable search and rescue missions do put a strain on fire department operations.

“Anytime the fire department is not in quarters, that drops our operational readiness for the rest of the community,” said Watkinson. “Medical emergencies, car accidents, fires, alarms, you name it. When we respond to emergencies, then our operational readiness for the community is reduced. That said, we do have redundancies built in place as a response agency for the citizens of Penticton.”

When Larry Watkinson was asked to provide one more message to residents and tourists visiting Penticton on the August long weekend, he gravitated toward another emergency situation we've been facing for months.

“I think we need to start paying attention to COVID again. I went down to the waterfront yesterday to check the entry points to the channel, and there’s people congregating in large groups, and I’m thinking, we still have a pandemic,” he responded. “Yes, floating the channel can be one of those great opportunities to have fun and is a memorable family or group activity inside your bubble, but your bubble mixed with other bubbles could be cause for transmissions potentially.

“Be aware of your surroundings and try not to get within that distance of other groups.”

COVID ambassadors will be in place Friday through Sunday at the channel’s exit point to help people move through safely, and extra parking has been added to aid in social distancing.

For water safety tips, click here.