British Columbia sees surge in drownings as water safety campaign launches

National Drowning Prevention Week has begun, prompting police in the Upper Ottawa Valley to remind the public of water‑safety practices such as supervision, avoiding alcohol or cannabis while swimming, and wearing life jackets. In British Columbia, the Coroners Service reports 40 accidental drowning deaths between May 1 and July 16 2026 – a 54 percent increase over the same period in 2025 – with 86 % of victims male and the highest fatalities occurring in lakes, rivers and baths. Alcohol or drugs were involved in 40 % of closed cases. The province’s health officials and the Lifesaving Society urge people to be "water‑smart" and wear personal flotation devices.

Kelowna‑Mission MLA Gavin Dew announced he will introduce a Child Water Safety Act, a school‑based water‑survival program modeled on Ontario’s Swim‑to‑Survive curriculum, to ensure every child learns basic skills such as rolling into deep water, treading for one minute and swimming 50 metres to safety. Dew said, "National Drowning Prevention Week is an important reminder that drowning is preventable and that basic water survival skills save lives." Coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan added, "Drowning is preventable. Recent drownings and water‑related injuries in B.C. have involved victims who weren’t wearing life‑jackets or personal flotation devices. It won’t work if you don’t wear it."