The RMOW will not be putting life-saving equipment at waterfront parks in response to a recent drowning death at Lost Lake.
In the week following the tragic death of 24-year-old Nishil Ajudia, June 6, letters to the editor in Pique Newsmagazine had suggested that putting flotation devices or other such tools at beaches should be considered.
But in an e-mailed response RMOW communication officer Julia Waring said: "The RMOW Parks Department does regular inspections of Whistler's waterfront parks. We do not have lifeguards or life saving equipment at waterfront parks.
"Our practice is common for municipal parks."
The e-mail went on to say that there are no specific standards set by the province or the Life Saving Society of B.C. for municipal waterfront parks in the way of staffing or safety equipment.
"Whistler has a good safety record at its waterfront parks, but unfortunately accidents do happen," wrote Waring in the e-mail
"The RMOW sends its regards to the family and friends of the man who lost his life in Whistler in a recent drowning accident."
Ajudia, a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, was in Whistler for the weekend with friends when he drowned while trying to swim out to the dock at Lost Lake.
At the time of the incident people jumped into the frigid water to try and find his submerged body and save him but they were unsuccessful.
His body was recovered the next day.
