Okanagan Lake remains the deadliest lake in the province, claiming 28 lives in the past decade, according to a new report from the BC Coroners Service.
The report Monday tallied 98 drowning deaths in B.C. in 2024, with 33 of those happening in the Interior Health region. That was followed by Island Health (24), Fraser Health (19), Vancouver Coastal (13) and Northern Health (9).
"This report, which covers a 10-year period, highlights that accidental drowning deaths continue to see an unfortunate upward trend during our warm summer months," said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner, BC Coroners Service.
"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."
While annual figures for drownings in specific water bodies were not available, the report provided a 10-year rolling total of 28 deaths in Okanagan Lake between 2014 and 2024.
A dozen people drowned in Harrison Lake while six people died each in Kalamalka, Osoyoos and Kootenay lakes.
The Fraser River has killed 53 people in the last decade while the Thompson River has claimed 11 lives. Eight people drowned in the Smilkameen and seven in the Columbia River in the past 10 years.
The 98 drownings in 2024 was an 18% decrease from the 119 deaths reported in 2023.
From 2014-23, alcohol and/or drugs were determined to be a contributing factor in 40% of accidental drowning deaths.
"Anyone can drown, even people who know how to swim. Remember, alcohol and other recreational substances don't mix with any water activities and intoxication puts you at a significant risk of drowning," said Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer, BCEHS.
"When on or in the water, stay sober and stay safe."
