Obvious File: Fishing Carries Risk Of Drowning

May 15, 2009 4:15 p.m. EST

Toronto, Ontario (AHN) - A 10-year study made by the Canadian Red Cross on drownings and other water-related injuries across the nation showed that fishing topped the list of causes of water-related deaths in Canada from 1991 to 2000.

Of the 5,900 water-related fatalities, there were 889 people who drowned, accounting for 15 percent. It was followed by swimming with 751 cases, playing or walking near water 669, road travel 538, powerboating 427, bathing 394 and canoeing 205.

The study pointed that fishing is a popular Canadian past time, although it was a major source of food and livelihood for aboriginal Canadians. Among the fishing-related deaths that occurred during the 10-year period, 84 percent happened while the victim was aboard a boat, 9 percent from the shore, 4 percent while ice fishing and 3 percent while fishing in water.

Majority of the victims were males. The drowning incidents occurred mostly in British Columbia and Atlantic provinces. Those who drowned often did not wear a flotation device. What worsens drowning incidents while fishing is the ice-cold temperatures of Canadian waters.

The Canadian Red Cross said most of these deaths could be prevented by addressing the six key risk factors of lack of flotation, cold water, bad weather, poor swimming ability, alcohol intake and water current. The savings would average 80 Canadian lives and $150 million a year.