How to enjoy lakes, pools and rivers safely this summer

July 4, 2025
Water activities can be a lot of fun and a great way to cool down, but drowning is a danger we all need to think about. Children under the age of five are among the most at risk of drowning.

With the summer upon us and long weekends ahead, people are flocking to lakes, rivers, swimming pools and the ocean to cool off. The B.C. Interior is a popular vacation destination, which may account for why Shuswap and Okanagan Lakes are among the top three lakes in B.C. with the most drowning deaths.

“Water activities like swimming and boating can be a lot of fun and a great way to cool down, but drowning is a danger we all need to think about," says Mike Adams, team lead with Interior Health's Healthy Communities team.

“Drownings peak in the summer months, and can happen quickly and quietly, sometimes in less than a minute.”

On average, 78 people die in B.C. each year from drowning. The most common reasons for drowning deaths from 2013 to 2023 were boating, falling into the water and swimming. During that same time period, people 19–29 years old accounted for 20 per cent of deaths, and 80 per cent of all people who died were male.

Drowning is preventable. Here are four ways you can be water smart to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Sept. 30 marks Orange Shirt Day & the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Our Indigenous staff & colleagues got together to share why they wear orange.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Natalie’s always been empathetic to people in all their moments, leading her to a career of connection – to patients, and to Indigenous ancestors.

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

PreVenture is a research-backed Canadian program that equips students ages 12-16 with decision-making tools and skills that promote mental well-being.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Xavier Gomes is the head of Dietary and Environmental Services for the East Kootenays. He’s fulfilled by contributing to patients’ comfort & recovery.

4 Minute Read
Research & Innovation

Lab testing is the highest volume activity in medical care. Labs have long been overlooked as a climate action opportunity. A small team at IH is changing that.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

For nearly 3 decades, a small playroom in CMH emergency has been a sanctuary for children and families. Today, Avril’s Room is being reimagined in the new ED.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail