Research & Reference | The Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon

Drowning Research

The Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon presents researching findings in an annual drowning report on provincial, water-related deaths. Gathering data and statistics for water-related deaths enables us to assess commonalities among reported drownings, update the public on recent drownings, and provide educational courses with preventative methods.

The Lifesaving Society’s collection of drowning data includes all deaths in BC and Yukon which are determined by the provincial Chief Coroners and Medical Examiners to have resulted from incidents "in, on or near water". Incidents are included in the drowning report if they are deemed to be associated to water-based recreational, vocational or daily living activity, or if the presence of water appeared to be an attraction contributing to the incident. Drowning statistics include only preventable (unintentional) deaths, and do not account for deaths due to natural causes, suicide, or homicide.