Rash of open-water drownings prompt new signs along Ottawa River

By Mike Vlasveld

Residents and visitors taking in scenery along the Ottawa River are going to notice new signs in local parks, warning about the dangers of stepping into high-risk areas of the waterway.

Five lives have been lost to open-water drownings this summer in Ottawa. 

In most of these cases, Ottawa police say the victims had ventured into unknown waters with little-to-no knowledge of how strong the current was, and they weren't wearing proper personal flotation devices (PFD) either.

The initiative to increase awareness of the dangers of swimming and boating in open water, has been put together by the Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition (ODPC), the office of the Regional Supervising Coroner with East Region – Ottawa, the National Capital Commission (NCC), the Ottawa Police Marine, Dive and Trails Unit and the City of Ottawa.

The first phase of this drowning prevention campaign includes six new signs going up on Bate Island. The signs will soon be accompanied by four deployable life rings/buoys placed in strategic areas on the Island to be accessed in case of emergency. 

“Facing a very difficult swimming season with COVID-19 in our community, we were bracing for bad news with the unknown opening of supervised swimming areas,” says Christine Wagg, Chair of the Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition. “Fortunately we did see the lifeguards at regional beaches and municipal pools thanks to the City of Ottawa and the NCC.  However, we did see tragic losses on our rivers this summer.  We are hoping that the signage at Bate Island will make visitors aware of the dangers in this area of the river.  Swimming in unknown waters or accidentally finding yourself in swift water can have someone quickly in a dangerous situation.  The ODPC encourages swimming in supervised areas, to wear a life jacket in a water vessel to ensure a safe trip for all.”

In the second stage of the campaign, further signage will be erected in other key areas of the city, including at Prince of Wales Bridge and Vimy Bridge. 

“A lot of people are used to swimming pools and aren’t aware of the currents and undertows that exist in open water,” said Cst. Tommy Jellinek, with the Ottawa Police Marine Dive and Trails Unit and a member of ODPC. “Even strong swimmers can be overwhelmed. That’s why, even if you are on a vessel, you need to wear a life-jacket. If you don’t know the water, don't go.”

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