Caution urged heading into the long weekend

PRINCE GEORGE – As we head into the first long weekend of the summer, officials are urging caution around waterways.

Updated statistics from the BC Coroners Service report 101 people died by accidental drowning in British Columbia in 2023. Fatal drownings were most common during the summer months, notably in July, when 18 deaths were recorded. The data revealed most deaths occurred in rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. Nearly one in five deaths occurred while the person was boating. That same figure was reported for falls into water and while swimming.

“I think people are excited to get into the water,” says Amber Schinkel, Manager of Strategic Communications and Media Relations for the BC Coroners Services. “They may have missed out on those water activities over the winter and into the spring. And they’re excited to get out on our rivers and lakes.”

One in five deaths occurred while people were boating and that same figure was repeated for falls into water.