Kayaking incident on Cultus Lake renews life jacket reminders

A kayaking incident on Cultus Lake in Chilliwack Monday has prompted police to remind the public about the importance of life jackets.

The Chilliwack RCMP says officers had to rescue a kayaker who fell in the lake in the afternoon. Mounties say the woman then “went underwater,” adding the fact she had on a life jacket likely prevented a tragic outcome.

“We are relieved to report that there were no injuries,” said Const. Ed Dewijn. “This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of wearing a life jacket while engaging in water activities.”

The reminder comes as officials and groups urge people to be safe in the water, with summer in full swing.

Kimiko Hirakida, an education manager with the BC Lifesaving Society, previously told CityNews that life jackets and personal floatation devices can be the difference between life and death, adding you should be wearing one any time you’re out on the water.

“That life jacket or PFD is a critical piece of equipment and should actually be worn — not just had — worn by every single person that’s in the boat. You can never adequately predict what’s going to happen on open water,” said Hirakida.

She says part of the issue is that nobody goes out on the water thinking something will happen to them.

On average, Hirakida says about 400 Canadians die from drowning each year, but the society is seeing a “slight uptick” this year.

“Drowning is preventable. Everything is an accident, and we would really like to see our numbers decrease,” she said.

The Chilliwack RCMP says life jackets “significantly increase the chances of survival in water emergencies” by keeping you afloat until help arrives.