These B.C. lakes and rivers have the most accidental drowning deaths

A recent report from the Coroners Service has determined which B.C. lakes and rivers have had the most accidental drowning deaths over the past decade.

According to the report, published on July 21, the Coroners Service collected the data between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024.

“An accidental death is defined as a death due to unintentional or unexpected injury, including death resulting from complications reasonably attributed to the drowning accident,” stated the report.

Over that 10-year span, the majority of accidental river drowning deaths in B.C. took place in the Fraser River, where 53 people died between 2014 to 2024. It was followed by the Thomson River (11) and the Similkameen River (8).

Coroners Service

The lakes and ponds with the highest number of deaths were Okanagan Lake (28), Harrison Lake (12), and Kalamalka, Kootenay, and Osoyoos Lake (6).

The report noted that between 2014 and 2023, alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in 40 per cent of accidental drowning deaths.

Data specific to 2024 was also covered in the report. Last year, there were 98 accidental drowning deaths in the province, an 18 per cent drop from the 119 deaths in 2023. Most accidental deaths in 2024 were males (70 per cent).

Most of the deaths (53 per cent) were reported during the warmer months from June to September.

The most common occurrences that resulted in drowning deaths were unintentionally falling into water (22 per cent), swimming (18 per cent), and bathing (14 per cent).

Coroners Service

Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, B.C.’s chief coroner, stated that the summer months continue to see a troubling upward trend of accidental drowning deaths.

“It is our hope that by providing regular information and details about how these deaths occur, we can help British Columbians make safer choices while enjoying water-related activities,” noted Baidwan.