Boating & Lake Safety: First Aid Tips for Summer in Kamloops

Summer in Kamloops means long days on the water. Whether you're spending the weekend at Shuswap Lake, Paul Lake, Kamloops Lake, Lac Le Jeune, Heffley Lake, or one of the many other beautiful lakes in the Thompson-Nicola region, boating is one of the best ways to enjoy BC's warm weather.

While most days on the lake are fun and relaxing, accidents can happen quickly. Knowing basic first aid and being prepared for emergencies can make all the difference while you're waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Here are some essential boating and lake safety tips every boater, paddler, angler, and water enthusiast should know.

1. Always Carry a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be part of your standard boating equipment—not an afterthought.

Consider including:

• Assorted adhesive bandages

• Sterile gauze pads and medical tape

• Antiseptic wipes

• Tweezers

• Scissors

• Elastic bandage

• Instant cold packs

• Disposable gloves

• Emergency blanket

• Waterproof dressings

• CPR face shield

• Sunscreen

• Insect bite relief

• Emergency contact information

Keep your supplies in a waterproof container and regularly check expiry dates throughout the summer.

2. Know How to Treat Cuts and Scrapes

Boat docks, fishing hooks, sharp rocks, and propellers can all cause injuries.

If someone is cut:

1. Wash your hands or wear gloves if available.

2. Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding.

3. Rinse the wound with clean drinking water.

4. Cover with a clean dressing.

5. Seek medical attention for deep wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection.

Never use untreated lake water to clean an open wound.

3. Be Prepared for Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Kamloops summers regularly reach temperatures above 30°C, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Muscle cramps

Move the person to shade, provide cool water if they are alert, loosen clothing, and cool them with wet towels.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• High body temperature

• Hot, dry skin (or sometimes sweating)

• Confusion

• Loss of consciousness

• Seizures

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting for help.

4. Know What to Do if Someone Is Drowning

Drowning is often silent. A person may not be able to call for help.

If someone is in trouble:

• Call 911 immediately.

• Throw a flotation device instead of entering the water whenever possible.

• Remove the person from the water only if it is safe to do so.

• Check for breathing.

• Begin CPR immediately if they are not breathing normally.

• Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive or the person begins breathing.

Learning CPR can save a life during these critical first few minutes.

5. Watch for Hypothermia—Even in Summer

Although the air may be hot, lake water can still be surprisingly cold.

Symptoms include:

• Shivering

• Slurred speech

• Poor coordination

• Confusion

• Fatigue

Remove wet clothing, dry the person, wrap them in warm blankets, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.

6. Prevent Sunburn and Dehydration

The reflection of sunlight off the water increases UV exposure.

Protect yourself by:

• Wearing SPF 30 or higher sunscreen

• Reapplying every two hours

• Wearing a wide-brim hat and sunglasses

• Drinking water regularly

• Taking breaks in the shade

Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to dehydration.

7. Be Careful Around Boat Propellers

Propeller injuries are among the most serious boating accidents.

Always:

• Shut off the engine before anyone enters or exits the water.

• Ensure everyone is accounted for before restarting.

• Never swim near an operating boat.

If a serious injury occurs:

• Apply firm pressure to control bleeding.

• Use additional dressings without removing the first if blood soaks through.

• Call 911 immediately.

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8. Wear Your Life Jacket

The simplest way to prevent drowning is to wear a properly fitted life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

Many boating fatalities occur because life jackets were available—but not worn.

Everyone on board should have an appropriately sized, Transport Canada-approved flotation device.

9. Have an Emergency Plan

Before heading onto the water:

• Tell someone where you're going.

• Share your expected return time.

• Carry a fully charged cellphone in a waterproof case.

• Know the nearest boat launch or marina.

• Keep emergency numbers easily accessible.

Planning ahead helps rescuers respond more quickly if something goes wrong.

Learn Life-Saving Skills Before Your Next Lake Day

First aid knowledge provides confidence during emergencies and can help protect your family, friends, and fellow boaters.

At Provincial First Aid, we offer workplace and community first aid training throughout Kamloops. Our courses include CPR, AED training, emergency first aid, standard first aid, and other nationally recognized certifications designed to prepare you for real-life emergencies.

Whether you're boating at Kamloops Lake, paddling at Paul Lake, or enjoying a family weekend at Shuswap, having first aid training means you'll be ready if the unexpected happens.

Book Your Next First Aid Course

Summer adventures should create memories—not emergencies.

Visit Provincial First Aid's course calendar to register for an upcoming first aid or CPR course and gain the confidence to respond when every second counts.