BC Drowning Board

Drowning Board & Map

Drowning is preventable. Our Drowning Board provides numerical data on drownings, and our interactive Drowning Map provides the location and a synopsis of the circumstances surrounding a drowning. Drowning can happen in less than 10 seconds; be informed, be prepared, and stay safe!

12 days

British Columbia & Yukon have been 
drowning free for

22

Total Number of Drownings in
 British Columbia & Yukon this year

Map

The Facts of drowning

The Lifesaving Society focuses WaterSmart® drowning prevention efforts on people most at risk – like men fishing in small boats – or on those who can make a significant difference, such as parents of young children. Ongoing research and analysis support the Society’s evidence-based water rescue training and WaterSmart drowning prevention education

Who is Drowning?

78%

Male

22%

Female

Where?

37%

Lake / Pond

28%

River

16%

Ocean

7%

Bathtub

8%

Other

4%

Pool

1%

Drowning in a Lifeguard supervised setting

When

67%

of drownings occurred from
May to September

26%

Aquatic

35%

Boating

17%

Non-Aquatic

55%

Powerboat

12%

Canoe

11%

Inflatable Craft

High Risk Groups

Children Under 5
Men Aged 18-49

Resources & Downloads

Drowning is preventable. Learn more and download helpful resources to keep you and your loved ones safe and informed.

  • Canada Drowning Prevention Plan 9th Edition – 2022

    Download
  • Preventing Drowning – An implementation guide – WHO

    Download
  • Preventing Drowning – WHO

    Download
  • 2024 BC Drowning Report

    Download
  • 2024 Northern Drowning Report

    Download
All resources

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