The drowning deaths of two men over the August long weekend is sparking concerns from a water safety advocacy group. According to the Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories, the province’s reported drowning death total to 10 this year, quickly approaching last year’s total of 11. “Drowning does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone,” said Madison Lalonde, interim managing director of the Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories. One of the most recent victims, 35-year-old Diego Armando Mata Mendoza, was visiting family and friends in Calgary from Mexico. Mendoza drowned after jumping from a cliff into the water near De Winton. His body was found by emergency crews a short time later. “Just the memories are going to stay with us,” said his brother Marco. The second during the August long weekend happened at Quarry Lake, where a 33-year-old man from Rocky View County died. Lalonde says the current numbers may not tell the full story, because official drowning data can take years to become official due to privacy laws. “We only see what’s reported in the media,” she said. “It can take a couple of years to get information from the medical examiner’s office.” The rash of drownings has prompted the Lifesaving Society and the Calgary Fire Department to push water safety messaging. Alex Kwan with the Calgary Fire Department says wearing a properly fitted, certified life jacket is one of the most effective ways to prevent a water death. “Having a working smoke alarm in your home is one of the most critical life-saving devices you can have when we talk about fire safety,” Kwan said. “The equivalent when we talk about water safety is making sure you have a properly fitted life jacket.” Kwan also recommends carrying a water safety kit when heading out on the water. He says people should avoid tying rafts together or wearing an ankle leash while paddleboarding on fast-moving rivers, like the Bow River. “The current is going to push you into potential hazards like trees, shallow gravel bars or even bridge pillars,” Kwan said. “Paying attention and navigating around them is going to be key to having a good time on the water.” Meanwhile, the Mendoza family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of repatriating his body to Mexico. “Every amount is going to make a difference and support our family,” Marco said.
