Drowning a 'frequent' cause of 'selfie-related deaths,' BC Hydro says in warning about risky behaviour
A B.C. utility says it's noticed a large increase in trespassing at its sites in recent years and thinks social media may be to blame.
BC Hydro released a report Friday that says trespassing instances have increased 200 per cent over the past five years. The report claims this risky behaviour is, in many cases, "tied to wanting to get an impressive selfie, photo or video for social media."
BC Hydro's summary of the survey concluded nearly half of B.C. residents polled have seen someone doing something risky outdoors to get a perfect photo or video. Fifteen per cent admitted to doing this themselves.
According to the survey, some of those actions include standing at the edge of a cliff (16 per cent), trespassing or disobeying signage (12 per cent) and taking a selfie from a dangerous height (nine per cent). BC Hydro's report didn't specify whether these incidents were at their sites, however.
The Crown corporation operates 31 power generating stations and many of the dams have recreation sites with parks and beaches.
"Dams and reservoirs are particularly dangerous places to take a risk for social media, as one of the most frequent causes of selfie-related deaths is drowning," BC Hydro's report says.
"BC Hydro has recorded dozens of safety incidents and near misses at or near its dams, generating stations, reservoirs and recreation sites over the past several years, and the numbers are likely much higher as most incidents go unreported if there is no injury or vandalism."
The report points to one incident where someone climbed the powerhouse at Buntzen Lake Dam, took footage and posted it to YouTube.
In another example, the report says someone was seen swimming last year in the downstream side of Vancouver Island's Comox Dam. The report says they were "dangerously close" to spillway gates, which were both open at the time.
"Similarly, in the Kootenays daredevil white water kayakers often plunge over the natural falls downstream of Aberfeldie and Elko Dams," BC Hydro's report says.
"About once a year, local search and rescue is called to rescue someone who has been injured going over the falls, including an incident last year that left one woman with a significant lower back injury. At Elko, kayakers sometimes even go over the spillway in their kayaks to get into the canyon between the dam and the powerhouse."
To address these concerns, BC Hydro recommends people stay away from generating facilities including dams, powerhouses and power lines. The company also asks the public to obey signage and stay in designated trails and areas.
The online survey was conducted by Majid Khoury of 800 British Columbians from May 17 to 19, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.