B.C. drowning deaths spike to 20-plus this year

B.C. has reached at least 20 confirmed drowning fatalities, potentially up to 28, in 2026, according to the Lifesaving Society's B.C. and Yukon branch — driven partly by recent incidents including six presumed drowned after a charter boat capsized near Richmond and drownings on the Elk River near Fernie on June 20 and the Columbia River near Castlegar on June 21.

According to Transport Canada, every watercraft must carry a life-jacket or personal flotation device for each person on board. While wearing life-jackets is not mandated for adults, it is required for children under 12 in B.C., except in enclosed areas.

Lenea Grace, executive director of the Lifesaving Society, emphasized that life-jackets are an essential tool to save lives and can be the difference between life and death after unexpected falls or capsizing.

Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer with B.C. Emergency Health Services, explained the danger of cold shock from sudden submersion in water 15 degrees Celsius or below. The body's automatic fight-or-flight response causes uncontrollable gasping for air — if your head is underwater, you will inhale water. This gasp is followed by hyperventilation and strain on the cardiovascular system. Cold water incapacitation can occur within minutes, causing rapid loss of strength and muscle control that prevents self-rescue.

A properly fitted life-jacket keeps your head above water even if you lose consciousness. A personal flotation device is lighter and trimmer but won't automatically keep your head above water.

If you fall into water, Twaites advised controlling your breathing first, keeping your airway above water, and using the heat escape lessening posture — bringing knees to chest and arms around knees to slow heat loss from your body.

The Lifesaving Society reports that the most common factor in B.C.'s recent drownings has been non-use or misuse of life-jackets.