The B.C. government is urging residents to be extra cautious around water after a recent increase in drowning fatalities across the province. The were 40 accidental drownings in B.C. from May 1 to July 16, a 54 per cent increase from the 26 deaths reported during the same period last year, officials said Monday. The latest happened Saturday when a 67-year-old man drowned while trying to swim across Okanagan Lake as part of an event, with another participant finding the victim unresponsive in the water two hours after the swim started. Data from the B.C. Coroners Service shows that July and August typically have the highest monthly fatality rates, averaging 13.9 and 12.4 deaths, respectively, between 2015 and 2025 while accounting for 39 per cent of annual drownings. The province says alcohol and drugs were factors in 40 per cent of drowning deaths during that time, with 86 per cent of victims in 2025 being male and 23 per cent being over the age of 70. B.C. Emergency Health Services is also urging people to use personal flotation devices and life jackets. “If you’re going to be on the water or near the water, make sure you have one, and make sure it fits properly as well,” said information nofficer Brian Twaites. Twaites added that anyone supervising children or spending time with adults who are not strong swimmers should keep them close by. “Make to stay within an arm’s reach in case they get into trouble,” he said. Adventure Smart B.C. is encouraging people who plan on exploring to follow its “Three Ts” method, which is trip planning, training and taking essentials. “You’re talking about the goals, the skills and abilities and training that everyone has in the group, what you’re carrying, where you’re going,” said executive director Sandra Riches. “That all goes a long way in helping mitigate, prevent and manage any risk that happens.” More information is available on the Adventure Smart B.C. website. With files from the Canadian Press
