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!
February 17, 2026
British Columbia & Yukon have been drowning free since
2
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.
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Recreational Boating-Related Fatalities in Canada, 2012–2021 (April 2026)
Download -
Canada Drowning Prevention Plan 9th Edition – 2022
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Preventing Drowning – An implementation guide – WHO
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Preventing Drowning – WHO
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2025 BC Drowning Report
Download -
2025 Northern Drowning Report
Download
