As the weather warms up, some residents may be thinking about taking a dip in the main attraction of Kamloops, the Thompson River. Getting into a body of water, or hanging out with friends at the beach, can be one of the best ways to cool down in the summer, but residents should be careful about the risks posed by the river.
The North and South Thompson Rivers run through Kamloops and connect near the city’s centre. While Kamloops also tends to get very hot in the summer, this often draws people to take a dip in the water. However, the river actually has many dangers that people should be wary of.
The Thompson River is fed by snowmelt and glacial water, which keeps the water very cool even in the summer. These temperatures can cause a person’s body to go into shock, which can include dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and disorientation. Altogether, these symptoms can increase the risk for drowning even for those who know how to swim.
Strong currents and sudden drop-offs are also a major risk factor in the river. While on the beaches, it may appear as though the river is neither deep nor fast-moving. However, both assumptions would be wrong, as the Thompson River has many deep spots and sudden drop-offs. These areas, mixed with a strong undercurrent that strengthens as you reach the centre of the river, may be treacherous and are hard to swim against, even for the most experienced of swimmers. In instances where proper attention is not paid, these currents present a significant danger.
In 2025, there were three instances of people drowning in the waters of the surrounding areas of Kamloops. The first was in July, when TRU international student Jatin Garg drowned while trying to retrieve a volleyball that had ended up in the river. Garg and two other friends attempted to retrieve the ball; however, they were quickly swept away by the current. The two friends were saved by local bystanders who stepped in, but Garg was nowhere to be seen and could not be saved. The second drowning came later, the same month, when a 23-year-old was recreationally jumping off a nearby bridge with friends and never resurfaced. The third occurred just a month later at Kamloops Lake, a popular swimming destination fed by the Thompson River, when a swimmer drowned while attempting to swim to a dock.
According to the B.C. Corners Service there were 98 accidental drowning deaths in 2024, which is a significant increase from the 67 in 2014, 10 years before. Around 34 per cent of these accidents occurred in the interior, with the Thompson River being the second most popular river/creek with 11 deaths in 2024 and the fourth most popular body of water in BC.
While taking a dip in the river or any body of water this summer, it’s recommended by the city of Kamloops to wear a life jacket, especially if going out farther than the recommended swimming area, even if you believe you are a strong swimmer. The safest place to swim in Kamloops is Riverside Park, where the city has lifeguards stationed there from July 1 to mid-August and has roped-off swimming areas that are supervised seven days a week from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Some other recommendations include being prepared for cold water shock, avoiding alcohol and nighttime swimming, and letting others know your plans, especially if you plan to go alone.