Impaled by needle at beach

Photo: Contributed

A Kelowna resident was hoping to have a relaxing day at the beach, but things went horribly wrong.

"I was at Strathcona Beach this afternoon and was playing with my feet in the sand and got a used needle stuck in my foot and the cap was right next to it," said Jessica Dawn. 

"I’m always one to defend IV drug users and the fact that many use the needle drop boxes, but this has made me terribly upset. There are needle drop boxes at this beach, so no reason this should have happened. Glad it was me and not my kids though," she added. 

Interior Health is currently working with municipalities to install new, large industrial sharps bins in hot-spot areas to increase easy access to safe disposal options. 

"Collaboration with municipalities, community agencies, and concerned citizens is essential to minimize any impact of improperly discarded needles in the community," IH said.

Dawn said her foot is sore from the incident Friday.

"I went to the Emergency room and they took my blood which will need to be redone in three to six months to make sure no diseases were passed on. I also got a tetanus shot," she added. 

For information on how to dispose of a needle and what to do if pricked with one, click here.