Photo: Don Urquhart
As we head into the Canada Day long weekend we are learning that Okanagan Lake has earned the dubious distinction as the deadliest lake in the province.
According to statistics from the BC Coroners Service, 101 people died by accidental drowning in British Columbia in 2023 and the lake with the highest number of accidental drowning deaths was Okanagan Lake with 29.
As you might expect fatal drownings were most common during the summer months, especially in July, when 18 deaths were recorded.
“Our report looked at a 10-year period between 2013 and 2023, and we can see there is a higher percentage of drownings in the province during the months of May through August,” said John McNamee, acting chief coroner, BC Coroners Service.
“Our report gives great clarity to the many dangers that water can hold. In 2023, just seven of those who died were not from B.C., so we hope both residents and visitors will take extra steps to enjoy water-based activities safely.”
The data also revealed most deaths occurred in rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. Nearly one in five deaths occurred while the person was boating but the same is true for people who fell in the water or went swimming.
“As we enter the summer, it is crucial to stay WaterSmart in, on and around the water,” said Lenea Grace, executive director, Lifesaving Society BC and Yukon.
“Keep children within arm’s reach and never leave kids or non-swimmers unsupervised at the beach, by the lake or in the bathtub at home. We urge British Columbians to swim with a buddy in lifeguard-supervised areas, wear your life-jacket when boating and refrain from using alcohol and/or drugs while on the water. Don’t drink and drown!”
Alcohol and drug-related data from 2023 isn’t yet available. Between 2013 and 2022, alcohol and/or drugs were found to be a contributing factor in 39% of accidental drowning deaths.
Additional notable findings from the report, include:
- males accounted for four in five accidental drowning deaths;
- seven per cent of deaths were people under 19, while those aged 19 to 29 accounted for one in five;
- 51 deaths occurred in the Fraser River; and
- the lake or pond with the highest number of accidental drowning deaths was Okanagan Lake (29).
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