Island Health Urges Water Safety This Summer

Island Health is reminding everyone to make water safety a priority to prevent drownings and serious injuries this summer.

Preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service’s Accidental Drowning Deaths report recorded 23 fatal drownings in Island Health in 2024.

Though fewer than the year before (32), it’s higher than the Island Health 11-year historical average of 17.

Most drownings (80%) occur in natural bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers, according to the Lifesaving Society.

Deaths are most likely to occur during the summer, particularly in July and August, and on weekends.

People at higher risk of drowning include males, people with underlying medical conditions, such as seizures, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and newcomers to Canada.

“As the weather starts to warm up, now is a great time to improve water safety skills and learn how to swim,” said Neil Arason, injury prevention lead.

“Swimming lessons may reduce the risk of drowning in children under four years of age. Swimming skills are just one part of a robust safety plan, that also includes close, constant, attentive supervision, and learning lifesaving skills.”

For every fatal drowning there are at least three non-fatal drownings, which may result in brain or other organ damage, the effects of which can be mild to severe.

A review of non-fatal drownings in the Island Health region requiring emergency care and/or overnight hospital stays over the last five years found that 59 per cent occurred in lakes or the ocean, most commonly in late spring and summer, and mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Island Health is partnering with the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon to offer free Swim to Survive programs this summer for children and parents in remote and underserved areas, including Indigenous communities.

Swim to Survive teaches essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.

The Society is coordinating with schools, municipalities, and local organizations to schedule upcoming sessions for July and August.

To learn more visit Island Health.