Рост числа утоплений в Британской Колумбии: власти призывают надевать спасательные жилеты

Lifejackets save lives: Rise in B.C. drownings prompts reminder from EHS Published 10:42 am Thursday, August 13, 2026 British Columbia is seeing a rise in accidental drowning deaths this summer, prompting a renewed public safety push across the province. Data from the BC Coroners Service shows 40 accidental drowning deaths between May 1 and July 16, including six drowning-related deaths on Okanagan Lake, with five of them being confirmed drownings. This number is up from the 26 deaths that occurred during the same time period last summer. Of note, Okanagan Lake is the deadliest lake in the province. July and August are typically the worst months of the year for drownings as many people head to the water to cool off, have fun or enjoy a vacation away from home. Officials are encouraging residents and visitors to take basic precautions seriously. “We have seen an unfortunate upward 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,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner. The most updated report from the BC Coroners Service shows accidental drowning deaths from 2015 to 2025, with 86 per cent of those deaths being male. The most common water activities for these deaths were swimming, bathing and unintentional falls into the water. Alcohol or drugs were a factor in 40 per cent of these drownings over the last decade, with lakes and ponds accounting for the largest share of deaths, followed by rivers and bathtubs. According to BCEHS Paramedic Public Information Officer Brian Twaites, BCEHS has already responded to 175 drowning-related calls across the province since May. While not all those calls resulted in death, the volume is up, and the pattern is clear. “Anyone can drown, and that includes people who know how to swim,” said Twaites. “But really, nobody should drown. We really want people to take the steps to keep themselves protected and their family protected when they’re out on or near the water.” Twaites tells Black Press Media that the most important thing for everybody to do is wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket whenever there are plans to go on the water, including lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, pools, and more. He also stressed that alcohol, drugs and water activities don’t mix. “Intoxication is a significant risk factor for drowning. Really don’t use any of those before or during any water activity, including tubing or boating,” said Twaites. More advice from BCEHS includes swimming with a friend, practicing touch supervision with your children (staying within arm’s reach), knowing the water you’re swimming in, draining portable pools and clearing them of toys when not in use, and CPR and first aid training. In the Okanagan and other popular lakes around B.C., the combination of tourism, summer heat, and relaxed vacation mindsets can lead people to overlook basic safety steps. Bottom line: Be prepared and think before you go on the water.