YMCA Kelowna/City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

Safe swimming

YMCA launches fundraiser to help prevent child drownings in the Okanagan

Aug 6, 2025 | 9:08 AM

The YMCA of Southern Interior B.C. is ramping up efforts to reduce drownings in the region, launching its first-ever “Make a Splash” fundraiser to support free swim lessons for local children.

The event, taking place Aug. 9 at H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre, features a Lazy River Duck Race. For $25, community members can adopt a rubber duck for the race — with all proceeds going toward the YMCA Okanagan Swims Program.

That program offers free emergency swim lessons to every Grade 3 student in School District 23. Over 1,900 students benefit each year.

“Every duck adopted is a life potentially saved,” said Tammie Watson, vice-president of philanthropy at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. “We’re not just racing ducks — we’re coming together to give every child the chance to learn life-saving skills.”

The fundraiser aims to tackle a critical issue. Okanagan Lake has been named the deadliest lake in the province for drownings, according to recent data.

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The YMCA says drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children and that cost is a major barrier for families to access structured lessons.

“We believe no child should miss out on learning how to stay safe in and around water,” Watson added. “This fundraiser is about saving lives, building water confidence, and creating a safer community.”

The goal is to raise more than $57,000 — the annual cost to run the program. Each $25 donation funds lessons for one child.

Supporters do not need to attend the event to participate. Ducks can be adopted online at ymcasibc.ca/splash until Aug. 8 at 4 p.m.