New report shows decline in Vancouver Island drowning deaths

As Vancouver Islanders prepare for another summer on the water, newly released data from the BC Coroners Service shows accidental drowning deaths declined across the island in 2025.

Despite the decrease, drowning remains a persistent cause of preventable death throughout the province.

According to the report, there were 93 accidental drowning deaths in BC in 2025, down from 98 the previous year. The provincial drowning death rate was 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people.

On Vancouver Island, the Island Health region recorded 17 drowning deaths in 2025, down from 24 in 2024 and significantly lower than the 37 deaths recorded in 2023.

The report found that 39% of drowning deaths occurred during the summer months of June, July and August, reinforcing the increased risks that come with warmer weather and more people spending time in lakes, rivers and the ocean.

Of the drowning deaths recorded on Vancouver Island in 2025, nine occurred in central regions, five in southern Island areas and three in the northern reaches of the island.

The findings come just weeks after two people died in separate drowning incidents in Nanaimo on the same evening. 

On May 20th, emergency crews responded to incidents near Departure Bay Beach and the Brechin boat ramp at the north end of Stewart Avenue.

Despite rescue efforts, both individuals died, prompting renewed reminders about water safety as the busy summer season approaches.

Across BC, men accounted for 86% of drowning deaths in 2025. The highest drowning rates were recorded among seniors aged 70 and older, followed by adults between the ages of 19 and 29.

Lakes and ponds were the most common locations for drowning deaths, accounting for 27 fatalities provincewide. Rivers and creeks, as well as bathtubs, each accounted for 19 deaths, while 15 occurred in the ocean.

Swimming was the most common activity associated with drowning deaths in 2025, followed by bathing and unintentional falls into water.

The report also highlights the role alcohol and drugs continue to play in drowning incidents.

While 2025 toxicology data is not yet available, coroners found alcohol and/or drugs were contributing factors in 40% of closed drowning investigations between 2015 and 2024. 

Among adults aged 19 to 69, about half of drowning deaths involved alcohol or drugs.

Although drowning deaths have declined on Vancouver Island over the past two years, officials continue to encourage residents and visitors to wear lifejackets, avoid alcohol while participating in water activities and exercise caution around rivers, lakes and coastal waters throughout the summer.