National Drowning Prevention Week Exercises At McIvor Lake

As National Drowning Prevention Week approaches, the Strathcona Regional District is reminding residents that drowning remains a leading cause of preventable death across British Columbia.

In 2024 alone, Vancouver Island recorded 23 drowning fatalities— many linked to not wearing life jackets, alcohol use, and lack of supervision around water.

Staff at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex are hosting a free, family-friendly community event on Monday, July 21, from 11 am to 5 pm at Hill Beach, McIvor Lake.

Strathcona Gardens has invited partners from the City of Campbell River, the Campbell River RCMP, and the Campbell River Search and Rescue Society to help teach water-smart skills in, on, and around the water.

Lifeguards from Strathcona Gardens will be on duty throughout the day, with a variety of activities for children, including face painting, a slip ’n slide, an inflatable water obstacle (the PEG), giant beach balls, scavenger hunts, and more.

Water safety information booths will also be set up, where participants can learn about lifejacket use, supervision tips, and local swimming programs.

This event is designed to promote water safety and drowning prevention through fun, hands-on experiences for the whole community.

Free transportation will be available to and from McIvor Lake from Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex and the Sportsplex, with two departure times during the day.

Reserve your spot at McIvor Lake Bus.

The National Lifesaving Society of Canada brings awareness to water safety and drowning prevention during National Drowning Prevention Week from July 20 to 26.

To help keep yourself and your loved ones safe, residents are encouraged to:

• Complete the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive Standard, which teaches essential skills to survive an unexpected fall into water and consider joining a learn-to-swim program available at Strathcona Gardens.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when on the water.
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities.
• Ensure that children are under the direct supervision of an adult when around barrier-free bodies of water.

Perhaps the easiest lifesaving tip is ‘watch your kids, not your phone’.

For more information, visit Strathcona Regional District.