Water Safety
The City of Kamloops, in partnership with Kamloops Fire Rescue, Kamloops Search and Rescue, Thompson Rivers University and the Kamloops RCMP, has developed water safety resources to help residents and visitors stay safe around local waterways.
Watch the video below and visit the City of Kamloops Water Safety webpage for more information.
A message from the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Kamloops Search and Rescue, Thompson Rivers University and the Kamloops RCMP.
The Thompson River is one of the deadliest in B.C. Not because people can’t swim, but because they underestimate it.
Let’s stay safe out there this summer.
Visit the City of Kamloops Water Safety webpage
Swimming
The safest time and place to swim is when a lifeguard is on duty. For the highest level of water safety, choose a supervised swimming pool whenever possible.
Water activities are a great way to stay active and enjoy the summer, but they can also be physically demanding, especially during hot weather. Fatigue, dehydration and heat-related illnesses can increase the risk of injury when swimming or participating in other water activities.
Remember to drink plenty of water, wear appropriate sun protection, including sunscreen, and be mindful of your limits.
Swimming in the river can be dangerous. Rivers can contain a variety of natural hazards, including strong currents, sudden drop-offs, waves, rapids, submerged obstacles and floating debris.
Water safety information
The following information is provided by the City of Kamloops.
Cold water and spring river conditions
Cold water and fast spring rivers create serious risks, even for strong swimmers.
- Cold water shock happens immediately and can affect breathing and muscle control within seconds.
- Warm air does not mean warm water. River temperatures remain dangerously cold well into spring.
- Spring snowmelt increases river speed, debris and undertow, even when the water looks calm.
- Falling unexpectedly into cold, fast-moving water is often fatal due to cold shock, current and heavy clothing.
- Lifejackets buy time in cold water and can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
Lifejackets and personal flotation devices
Lifejackets are essential around natural water, not optional.
- Everyone should wear a lifejacket near rivers and lakes, especially children and non-swimmers.
- Wearing a lifejacket significantly increases survival time in cold or moving water.
- Children should wear lifejackets near water even when they are not swimming.
Supervision and child safety
Drowning happens quickly, quietly and often without warning.
- Children can drown in seconds, and drowning is silent. There may be no splashing or yelling.
- Active supervision means being within arm’s reach of young children near water.
- Many drowning victims were not alone, but no one was watching closely.
- Designate a “Water Watcher” whose only job is supervising the water. Do not assume someone else is watching.
- Swimming lessons build skills but do not eliminate drowning risk. Supervision is always required.
Floating, boating and river recreation
Recreational river use carries risks that increase without preparation.
- Do not tie flotation devices together. Floats can become trapped on debris, bridges or docks and may flip or pin users.
- Always check weather and water conditions before boating or floating.
- Early-season boating is higher risk due to cold water and fewer bystanders.
- Alcohol and water do not mix. Alcohol significantly increases drowning risk.
- When floating or boating, plan ahead and share your entry and exit points with a trusted contact.
Falls, fatigue and environmental hazards
Many drownings begin with a simple slip or moment of fatigue.
- Accidental falls into water are common and deadly, especially near slippery banks, docks and rocks.
- Fatigue, dehydration and heat increase drowning risk later in the day.
- Avoid swimming at night. Visibility is reduced and rescue response may be slower.
- Weather and river conditions can change quickly. Leave the water if conditions worsen.
Emergency response procedures
Should you be directly involved in or witness an incident, get help and notify your leadership, such as your supervisor, manager, dean or instructor, as soon as possible.
1. Assess the situation
- Prioritize injuries.
- Determine whether you need security, first aid or 9-1-1 for ambulance, police or fire.
- Move to a safe area when necessary.
2. Call for help
Kamloops
Security and first aid:
250-828-5033
Williams Lake
First aid:
250-392-8000
Security and first aid after hours:
250-214-9610
Ambulance, police or fire:
9-1-1
3. Provide details
Tell security, first aid or the 9-1-1 operator:
- Your location
- The situation and its severity
- Your contact information
4. Report the incident
- Notify your supervisor or instructor.
- Report the incident to Risk and Safety Services using the online incident report form.
- Assist with any required follow-up and action items.
