The BC Coroners Service has revealed that Harrison Lake is the second deadliest lake in the province for drowning deaths.
A new record number of drownings occurred in B.C. in 2023, making it the worst year for drowning deaths in the last decade. In 2023, 101 people died from drowning, up from 94 in 2022.
The new findings were released June 25.
John McNamee, acting chief coroner, says the report found a higher percentage of drownings during May through August. Fatal drownings were most common in July when 18 people died.
"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,” says McNamee.
In the last decade, 51 people have drowned in the Fraser River, making it the worst location for river and creek drownings. The Thompson River was second with nine deaths between 2013 and 2023.
Most of the deaths occurred in rivers or lakes. The BC Coroners Service found that people were boating (18 per cent), falling into the water (18 per cent) or swimming (18 per cent).
Twelve people died in Harrison Lake and 29 people died in Okanagan Lake (the deadliest lake in the province) from 2013 to 2023.
The largest number of drownings in 2023 occurred on Vancouver Island with 32 people; 24 people died in the Interior; and 20 people died in the Fraser Valley.
Between 2013 and 2022, alcohol and/or drugs were found to be a contributing factor in 39 per cent of drowning deaths.
Lenea Grace, executive director of Lifesaving Society BC and Yukon, says it is crucial to stay WaterSmart in, on and around the water.
"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,” she says.
"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."
Males accounted for four in five accidental drowning deaths, the report found.
