Residents of 6-mile near Nelson take action to promote public safety at beach
By Friends of Kootenay Lake – The 6 Mile beach close to Nelson is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This beach is iconic, as the sand bar allows you to feel like you’re in the middle of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.
What many do not know is that the tip of this sandbar has been known to give way to a strong undercurrent that has claimed far too many lives over the years. Throughout the years, there have been around 7 or more drownings at 6 Mile beach, and without the proper signage and education, people are still at risk.
The risk arises where a strong water current and sand create an unstable cornice that when it gives way can result in a drop of between 35 to 65 ft resulting in swimmers being dragged down into an undertow. A group of local residents has decided to get together after the most recent drowning incident this summer and address the lack of awareness of this danger.
Friends of Kootenay Lake attended a meeting with this group on August 26th, where they discussed the concern about the lack of management and signage at the beach. The residents are requesting the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to assist them in implementing immediate signage and look at creating a Park Management Plan for this increasingly popular site.
If you would like to find out more contact us at info@friendsofkootenaylake.ca
Our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost
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