As the colder weather rolls in, many residents are looking ahead to fall with summer already in their rear view mirror.
Warm temperatures, long walks on the beach and splashing around at Thetis Lake may seem like distant memories for some. But Thetis Lake was at the top of Capital Regional District (CRD) directors’ minds during a recent meeting.
But the CRD voted against a motion to hire lifeguards to patrol the popular beach at Thetis Lake. Instead, the regional district voted in favour of providing better signage in the park and more information on safe swimming practices on the website.
Lifeguard services were originally provided on and off again at the popular watering hole between 1970 and 2002, but haven’t been available in 15 years due to lack of funds. But that begs the question – what is the cost of a life?
According to a staff report, there were five drownings at Thetis Lake since 1999, in addition to three other serious incidents – including two this year. One of the most recent incidents took place in June when two 16-year-old foreign exchange students were pulled from the water on the east side of the lake, by members of the public.
View Royal Mayor David Screech argued increased signage won’t make a difference if people can’t read the signs and he’s right.
There needs to be a change in perspective when it comes to Thetis Lake. With more people moving to the West Shore, in the coming years, expect an increase in the number of people flooding to the lake during the summer months as well, which could mean the potential for more near drownings or even deaths.
Is the CRD going to wait until another drowning happens before taking action?
The regional district estimates it would cost $70,000 annually to provide lifeguard services at the lake. That seems like a small price to pay if it means the difference between life and death. We’re sure more residents will feel that much safer knowing there would be a lifeguard looking out for the safety of swimmers.