Latest news with #BrettHaney
Global News
23-07-2025
- Health
- Global News
Okanagan's ‘jewel' deemed deadliest lake in B.C., prompting safety reminder
Okanagan Lake is a huge draw for locals and visitors alike. Often referred to as the 'jewel' of the Okanagan, the lake offers opportunities for all sorts of water activities, including swimming, boating and paddling. However, the popular lake also has a dubious distinction. According to a new report by the B.C. Coroners Service, Okanagan Lake is the deadliest lake in the province. The report states that out of the 244 accidental lake drownings over the past decade, between 2014 and 2024, 28 have occurred in Okanagan Lake. 'It's too many,' said Kelowna resident Brett Haney. Those 28 deaths are far higher than that of the second deadliest lake in B.C., Harrison Lake, which saw 12 people drown in the same time period. Story continues below advertisement 'These numbers, they're staggering and they are really tragic,' said Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer with B.C. Emergency Health Services. The report also stated that 261 people unintentionally drowned in rivers and creeks across the province in the last 10 years, with the Fraser River claiming the most lives at 53. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy According to the Coroners Service, the vast majority of drownings in any type of body of water involved males — 735 males compared to 200 females. The report also revealed that the use of alcohol and/or drugs contributed to 40 per cent of the drowning deaths. 'Not only swimming, but water activities, paddle boarding, out on a boat, just floating around — all of that stuff when incorporated with any form of alcohol use or substance use can really put you at a higher risk for drowning,' Twaites said. 4:02 Health Matters: Summer water safety tips Twaites said that many drowning deaths are preventable, adding that precautions can help reduce the chances of drowning. Story continues below advertisement One of the key protective measures is the use of life jackets of PFDs (personal flotation devices). 'They really do save lives,' Twaites said. 'Make sure you've got a life jacket or a PFD with you and that you're wearing it, not that it's just on the boat, that you have it somewhere with you. I've seen people out on paddle boards, they've just got a life jacket strapped to the end of the paddle board and that's not going to really do them much good if something happens.' While troubling, it's hoped the report serves as a reminder, during national drowning prevention week, to always make water safety a priority. 'People sometimes are caught up in the moment and they are having fun and don't think about it and these unfortunate tragedies can happen in a matter of seconds,' Twaites said. For more information on water safety, you can go to the B.C. and Yukon branch of the Lifesaving Society website. 2:10 Should swimming lessons be mandatory for all B.C. children?
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Milwaukee manufacturer moving to Oak Creek. It also will relocate an Illinois facility there
A Milwaukee-based manufacturer plans to move to Oak Creek, where it also will relocate a second facility from northern Illinois. Derse Inc., which designs and builds events and exhibition displays, plans to combine its Milwaukee headquarters, 3800 W. Canal St., and its Waukegan, Illinois, facility, within a new development at OakView Business Park. Derse has submitted plans to develop the 31-acre site, which is owned by the city, according to a June 11 announcement. OakView is located near West Oakwood Road and South Howell Avenue, The city will review the proposal this summer. Derse could close on its site purchase in late 2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion in the fourth quarter of 2027. "The proposed facility is the largest single investment in Derse's nearly 80-year history," said Brett Haney, CEO of Derse, in a statement. "This facility is about building capacity for growth." The development plans are still in the works and the size of the building remains "a moving target," said Stacey Nelson, vice president of marketing. The new facility "will be substantially larger than the current Waukegan and Milwaukee facilities combined," Nelson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Derse is a family-owned company with nearly 600 employees. Derse is an "impactful community and corporate partner we envisioned for this site, and we are thrilled to welcome them,' said Andrew Vickers, city administrator. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@ and followed on Instagram,Bluesky, X and Facebook. (This story was updated to add new information.)This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee manufacturer Derse moving to new Oak Creek facility Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
