Coroner, Lifesaving Society Remind British Columbians To Be Water Safe

The BC Coroners Service, along with the Lifesaving Society, are sharing a timely reminder of the risks associated with water activities.

“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, 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.”

Updated statistics from the BC Coroners Service report 101 people died by accidental drowning in British Columbia last year, most common during the summer months. Last July, 18 deaths were recorded.

Acting chief coroner John McNamee says the report, covering data from 2013 to 2023, shows a higher percentage of drownings in the province during the months of May through August.

The data revealed most deaths occurred in rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds.

Nearly one in five deaths occurred while the person was boating.

That same figure was reported for falls into water and while swimming.

The Lifesaving Society says it’s best to keep children within arm’s reach and never leave them or non-swimmers unsupervised at the beach, by the lake or in the bathtub at home.

They suggest you swim with a buddy in lifeguard-supervised areas, wear your lifejacket when boating and refrain from using alcohol and/or drugs while on the water.

While alcohol- and drug-related data from 2023 is not yet available, between 2013 and 2022, alcohol and/or drugs were found to be a contributing factor in 39% of accidental drowning deaths.

Males accounted for four in five accidental drowning deaths.

Seven percent of deaths were people under 19, while those aged 19 to 29 accounted for one in five.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.