British Columbia MLA Gavin Dew proposes Child Water Safety Act after Okanagan Lake drownings

Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew announced that he will introduce a Child Water Safety Act when British Columbia's legislature returns in October, following five drownings in Okanagan Lake over a 37‑day period. The proposed bill would create a province‑wide, school‑based water survival program aimed at giving every child basic swimming and water‑safety skills. It is modeled on Ontario’s Swim to Survive program and draws inspiration from the Lifesaving Society’s British Columbia and Yukon branch. The legislation emphasizes universal access regardless of geography, disability or family income.

The announcement was made during National Drowning Prevention Week (July 19‑25). Dew said the program is not intended to replace swim lessons but to ensure that every child leaves elementary school with essential water‑survival knowledge, potentially saving lives and reducing long‑term healthcare costs.

The legislative session is scheduled to reconvene on October 5, when the act is expected to be tabled.