People In B.C. Urged To Practice Water Safety

In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week, the BC Coroners Service, together with the Lifesaving Society and B.C. Emergency Health Services, is sharing helpful reminders and promoting water safety awareness.

In 2024, there were 98 accidental drowning deaths in British Columbia, including 23 on Vancouver Island. Fifty-two (52) deaths were recorded from June to September, according to a new report from the BC Coroners Service.

That’s an 18% decrease from the 119 deaths reported 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, BC Coroners Service.

“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.”

The data collected found most deaths occurred in rivers and creeks (33%) and lakes and ponds (24%), with the most common circumstances involving an unintentional fall into water (22%), swimming (18%) and bathing (14%).

As in previous years, the data collected for 2024 shows the majority of accidental drowning deaths were residents of B.C. (95 of 98).

The Lifesaving Society says many drowning victims never intend to go into the water at all, and for that reason, they urge the public to be WaterSmart this summer and to take swim lessons and lifesaving training to help prevent future tragedies.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.