B.C. drowning deaths up more than 50% from last year, preliminary figures show

Accidental drowning deaths in British Columbia have increased by more than 50 per cent compared with the same point last year, according to preliminary figures released during National Drowning Prevention Week.

The B.C. Coroners Service said 40 people died in accidental drownings between May 1 and July 16, compared with 26 during the same period in 2025. The figures are preliminary and subject to change.

“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,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner with the B.C. Coroners Service.

The increase comes as the province enters the months that historically see the highest number of drowning deaths. According to the Coroners Service’s report, Accidental Drowning Deaths in B.C. (2015-2025), July averages 13.9 drowning deaths and August averages 12.4.

The report also found alcohol and/or drugs were identified as a contributing factor in 40 per cent of closed accidental drowning deaths between 2015 and 2024. In 2025, swimming, bathing and unintentional falls into water were the circumstances most commonly associated with drowning deaths.

Officials said many recent drownings and water-related injuries involved people who were not wearing life-jackets or personal flotation devices.

“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,” said Lenea Grace, executive director of the Lifesaving Society – B.C. & Yukon Branch.

BC Emergency Health Services is also reminding people that alcohol and drugs can significantly increase the risk of drowning and that cold-water shock remains a danger even during the summer months.

“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,” said Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer with BC Emergency Health Services.

BC AdventureSmart encouraged paddlers and other recreational users to prepare before heading onto the water by checking conditions, sharing trip plans and wearing properly fitted life-jackets.

“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,” said Sandra Riches, executive director of BC AdventureSmart.