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Water danger can be a surprise even for good swimmers, says RCMP’s underwater recovery expert
From jumping into a dugout on the farm to swimming in a river when you’re used to a lake, even experienced swimmers can underestimate where real trouble lurks, the Saskatchewan RCMP’s underwater recovery team said.
The team is one Corporal – Jamie Diemert – who calls other officers with dive experience when police need to recover things from water, which can be anything from weapons to drowning victims.
A recent heat wave has led to five drowning deaths in Saskatchewan a matter of weeks.
“Open water swimming in a lake or a river is a lot different than swimming in a pool. You’re dealing with different temperatures, usually as well as waves and currents involved with the open waters. Even strong swimmers can get themselves into a spot where they can get in trouble,” said Diemert.