As warmer weather rolls into Vancouver Island and beaches, lakes, and backyard pools fill up, Island Health is reminding residents to take extra care around the water—and to learn how to spot the signs of drowning before it’s too late.
Preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service shows there were 23 fatal drownings in the Island Health region in 2024. While that’s lower than the previous year, it’s still above the 11-year average of 17 deaths.
Most drownings—around 80 per cent—happen in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. The risk peaks during July and August, and on weekends when more people are out enjoying the water.
Those at higher risk include males, individuals with medical conditions like seizures, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and newcomers to Canada who may be unfamiliar with local water conditions or lack swimming skills.
When heading out to beach this summer, it is important for the public to understand how drowning actually looks. Unlike the dramatic splashing and calls for help often portrayed in movies, drowning is typically quick, silent, and easy to miss.
Key signs of drowning include:
- Head low in the water with mouth at water level
- Head tilted back, mouth open
- Eyes glassy, closed, or unable to focus
- Gasping or hyperventilating
- Upright position in the water with no leg movement
- Attempting to swim but not moving forward
- Trying to roll over onto the back but unable to do so
Drowning can happen in seconds, and even experienced swimmers can get into trouble quickly.
Non-fatal drownings are also a serious concern. Island Health reviewed cases requiring emergency care or overnight hospital stays and found that 59 per cent occurred in lakes or the ocean—most often in the afternoon or evening.
Alcohol or other substances were involved in 27 per cent of these incidents.
To help reduce risk this summer, Island Health recommends the following:
- Learn how to swim
- Stay sober when swimming or supervising others
- Keep young children within arm’s reach at all times
- Wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD)
- Swim within marked areas and be aware of ocean currents
- Designate a responsible adult to actively watch swimmers
- Install four-sided fencing around backyard pools with a self-closing gate
- Empty kiddie pools right after use and store them upside down
In partnership with the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon, Island Health is offering Swim to Survive programs this summer in underserved and remote communities, including Indigenous areas.
The program teaches essential skills for surviving an unexpected fall into deep water.
To find upcoming Swim to Survive sessions or request one in your community, email dirkp@lifesaving.bc.ca or check your local municipality’s website and social media for updates.
By recognizing the real signs of drowning and taking steps to prevent it, Islanders can enjoy a safer summer on the water.
The following video shows a real life rescue of a person drowning:
