During National Drowning Prevention Week 2026, the BC Coroners Service, Lifesaving Society, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and BC AdventureSmart are encouraging everyone to take safety seriously and be water smart this summer.

Preliminary data for 2026 shows that there have been 40 accidental drowning deaths in British Columbia between May 1 and July 16, compared to the 26 deaths reported during the same period in 2025.

The Coroners Service’s recently updated report Accidental Drowning Deaths in BC (2015-2025) shows that July and August typically have the highest average of drowning deaths throughout the year (13.9 and 12.4 respectively). In 2025, there were 36 deaths reported between June and August, accounting for 39% of all accidental drowning deaths that year.

In 2025, the most common activities or context associated with drowning deaths were swimming (22 deaths), bathing (19 deaths) and unintentional falls into water (16 deaths). Between 2015 and 2024, alcohol and/or drugs were identified as a contributing factor in 40% of closed accidental drowning deaths.

While the data in the report is considered preliminary and subject to change, additional notable findings from the report include:

• Eighty-six per cent of the decedents in 2025 were male.
• Twenty-three per cent of the decedents were older than 70 and 20% were 19 to 29, accounting for the majority of drowning deaths.
• Twenty-nine per cent of deaths occurred in lakes/ponds, followed by rivers/creeks (20%) and baths (20%).

Quotes:

Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner, BC Coroners Service –

“We have seen an unfortunate upwards trend this summer when it comes to accidental drowning deaths. It is our hope that people will take a serious look at the data we are sharing and make smart choices when planning any water-related activity in the coming months.”

Lenea Grace, executive director, Lifesaving Society – BC & Yukon Branch –  

“Drowning is preventable. Recent drownings and water-related injuries in B.C. have involved victims who weren’t wearing life-jackets or personal floatation devices. It won’t work if you don’t wear it. For yourself, your loved ones and your communities, gear up on the water this summer and take steps to keep everyone safe.”

Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer, BCEHS –  

“Anyone can drown, even people who can swim. Alcohol and other recreational substances do not mix with water activities – intoxication significantly increases the risk of drowning. Even in the summer, falling into cold water can trigger cold water shock, a dangerous involuntary response that can increase the risk of drowning, so it is important to always wear a life-jacket or personal floatation devices near or on the water.”

Sandra Riches, executive director, BC AdventureSmart –

“Every drowning is a tragedy, and many are preventable. Planning ahead, checking conditions, wearing a properly fitted life-jacket and sharing your trip plans can save lives. Through BC AdventureSmart’s PaddleSmart program, we encourage everyone canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to understand the risks, prepare for changing conditions and make informed decisions before getting on the water.”

Learn More:

• BC Coroners Service Accidental Drowning Deaths Report 2015-2025: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/2026/bccs_accidental_drowning_2015-2025.pdf
• WaterSmart education, Lifesaving Society, BC & Yukon Branch:  https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/watersmart
• Know before you go with safety tips from BC AdventureSmart: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/water-safety/
• BC AdventureSmart PaddleSmart program: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/programs/paddlesmart/