Province urges water safety in boating, swimming season

Jul 21, 2025 | 4:15 PM

In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week and those who lost their lives last year, people are being encouraged to be safe when out on or in the water.

In a joint report, the B.C. Coroners Service, Lifesaving Society, and B.C. Emergency Health Services reported 98 accidential drowning deaths in British Columbia in 2024, with 52 of them recorded between June and September.

It was noted that 33 of the 2024 drowning deaths occurred in the Interior Health region, which includes the Okanagan.

That total was down from the 119 drowning deaths in 2023.

“This report, which covers a 10-year period, highlights that accidental drowning deaths continue to see an unfortunate upward trend during our warm summer months,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner with the B.C. Coroners Service.

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“It is our hope that by providing regular information and details about how these deaths occur, we can help British Columbians make safer choices while enjoying water-related activities.”

Of the deaths recorded over the past decade, 33 per cent occurred in rivers and creeks, and 24 per cent occurred in lakes and ponds. It also found that 22 per cent of the deaths involved people unintentionally falling into water, while 18 per cent occurred while swimming and 14 per cent involved a person dying while bathing.

“It is crucial that parents and caregivers properly supervise children at the lake, beach, pool or in the bathtub at home, keep young children within arm’s reach, wear a lifejacket or PFD while boating no matter your age or ability, and stay sober on the water,” Lenea Grace, executive director of the Lifesaving Society – B.C. & Yukon Branch, stated.

“Many drowning victims never intend to go into the water at all. For this reason, we urge the public to be WaterSmart this summer and to take swim lessons and lifesaving training to help prevent future tragedies.”

Data from the previous decade also found that alcohol and/or drugs were the leading factor in drowning deaths, contributing to 40 per cent of the accidental drownings during that period.

“Anyone can drown, even people who know how to swim. Remember, alcohol and other recreational substances don’t mix with any water activities and intoxication puts you at a significant risk of drowning,” Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer with BCEHS, added.

“When on or in the water, stay sober and stay safe.”

The report also found that 77 per cent of people who died in accidental drownings in 2024 were male.

The Coroners Services noted the report on accidental drowning deaths in B.C. was preliminary and subject to change.

The province encouraged people learn how to be water smart by visiting the Lifesaving Society’s website.

by Liam Verster

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