The BC Coroners Service, in collaboration with the Lifesaving Society, is urging the public to exercise caution around water activities, particularly during the summer months when drownings peak.
Updated data from the BC Coroners Service shows that 101 individuals died from accidental drownings in British Columbia in 2023. The highest number of these fatalities occurred in July, with 18 recorded deaths.
“Our report looked at a 10-year period between 2013 and 2023, and we can see there is a higher percentage of drownings in the province during the months of May through August,” said John McNamee, acting chief coroner for the BC Coroners Service. “Our report gives great clarity to the many dangers that water can hold. In 2023, just seven of those who died were not from B.C., so we hope both residents and visitors will take extra steps to enjoy water-based activities safely.”
The report found that the majority of drowning deaths occurred in natural water bodies such as rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds. Boating incidents and accidental falls into water each accounted for nearly one in five deaths, with swimming-related incidents also contributing significantly to the toll.
“As we enter the summer, it is crucial to stay WaterSmart in, on and around the water,” said Lenea Grace, executive director of the Lifesaving Society BC and Yukon. “Keep children within arm’s reach and never leave kids or non-swimmers unsupervised at the beach, by the lake, or in the bathtub at home. We urge British Columbians to swim with a buddy in lifeguard-supervised areas, wear your life-jacket when boating, and refrain from using alcohol and/or drugs while on the water. Don’t drink and drown!”
While specific data on alcohol- and drug-related drownings in 2023 is pending, historical data from 2013 to 2022 indicates that alcohol and/or drugs were factors in 39% of accidental drowning deaths.
The report also highlighted several key statistics:
- Males accounted for four out of five accidental drowning deaths.
- Seven per cent of the victims were under 19 years old, while those aged 19 to 29 comprised one in five of the total fatalities.
- The Fraser River recorded 51 drowning deaths, the highest of any river.
- Okanagan Lake was identified as the deadliest lake, with 29 drowning deaths.
The BC Coroners Service and the Lifesaving Society emphasize the importance of water safety, especially during the high-risk summer period. They recommend adhering to safety guidelines, such as swimming with a buddy, wearing life-jackets, and avoiding alcohol and drugs when near or on the water.