New study highlights risk of accidental drownings in B.C.

In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Week, the B.C. Coroners Service has released its latest report on accidental drowning deaths in the province. Port Alberni makes renewed efforts to promote water safety. 

In 2024 British Columbia recorded 98 accidental drowning deaths, with the four summer months from June to September accounting for 52 of them, according to the B.C. Coroners Service.

“This report, which covers a 10-year period, highlights that accidental drowning deaths continue to see an unfortunate upward trend during our warm summer months,” said Chief Coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan. “It is our hope that by providing regular information and details about how these deaths occur, we can help British Columbians make safer choices while enjoying water-related activities.”

Men made up 77 per cent of drowning victims, with those aged 50–59 accounting for 20 per cent of the total deaths. Individuals aged 60–69 and 70+ followed, each representing 15 per cent. According to the Lifesaving Society, some reasons that contribute to the high rate of accidental drowning in older adults include reduced physical capabilities, increased sensitivity to cold, certain medical conditions and medications that impact physical or mental capacity. 

Rivers and creeks accounted for 33 per cent of drowning deaths, with accidental falls into water as the most common cause. According to Adventure Smart, a national prevention program focused on outdoor recreational activities, rivers and creeks are more unpredictable than other bodies of water due to fast underwater currents, strong undertows, and unexpected hazards like underwater debris. 

Between 2014 and 2023, the report determined alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in 40 per cent of accidental deaths by drowning. Substance involvement was lowest among those under 19 years of age and over 70. Individuals between the ages of nineteen and sixty-nine had the highest consumption.

However, the report clarifies that there is more than one factor in the incidents. The coroners determine the importance of alcohol or drugs in deaths once the investigation is closed. 

"Anyone can drown, even people who know how to swim. Remember, alcohol and other recreational substances don't mix with any water activities and intoxication puts you at a significant risk of drowning," said Brian Twaites, a public information officer with BC Emergency Health Services. "When on or in the water, stay sober and stay safe."

The second highest cause of drowning occurred during recreational activities such as swimming, accounting for over 18 per cent of deaths. Other activities like boating, including fishing, account for 10 per cent of the causes, with 80 per cent of people who died not wearing a life jacket.

“Adults are a high percentage of drownings,” said Shawn Bourgoin, the City of Port Alberni’s manager of Recreation Services. “A lot of those are due to other factors [like] unsafe activities or consumption of drugs or alcohol or not wearing a life jacket when on water on a boat or a kayak.” 

A survey from BC Hydro indicates that some British Columbians overestimate their swimming abilities and are not as prepared for safe water use as they believe. Although 85 per cent of British Columbians consider themselves experienced swimmers, most do not practice regularly. Only 63 per cent return to the water during summer, and 85 per cent haven’t taken a swimming lesson in over a decade. Ten per cent have never taken one at all.

This lack of swimming practice is the reason why almost 30 per cent of the B.C. population report having had a near-drowning experience, and 53 per cent have witnessed another person struggling in the water. Similar to previous years, 95 out of 98 drowning deaths from 2024 were residents of British Columbia, with only three victims from out of the province or country. 

Recognizing that July is the month with the highest number of water-related deaths, accounting for 20 per cent, the Lifesaving Society has chosen the third week of the month as National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW). Its purpose is to educate communities on the impact of water safety. 

Facilities like Port Alberni’s Echo Aquatic Centre and Fitness Studio offer swimming courses for children starting from six months to 15-year-olds. Currently, the facility does not offer swimming lessons for individuals older than 15 years old. However, they had been rebuilding their aquatic team since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our goal in the next year or two is to be able to offer [swimming] lessons for young adults and adults. As we know, it’s an example for both children, youth and adults to have in this waterfront community,” said Bourgoin. 

Facilities like Echo Aquatic Centre are encouraged to run a “How to Survive” challenge, which teaches participants what to do if they find themselves in trouble in the water. Activities include practicing safe water entry, resurfacing, orienting to the environment, and identifying a safe point to reach.

“This is just one way outside of [learning programs to] educate our community members of all ages," said Bourgoin.   

For more information about swimming courses at the Echo Aquatic Center, please visit: https://playinpa.ca/swim-lessons/