You’re getting everything ready for a day on the boat. Maybe you’re going out with friends. Maybe you’re going out by yourself. You run through the checklist. 

Sunscreen. Hat. Snacks. Water bottle.

Do you have a lifejacket on that list? 

From May 1 to July 16, 2026, there have been 40 drowning deaths in British Columbia. This is an increase from 26 deaths reported during the same period last year. Many of the people who drowned were not wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD).

It may not look stylish, but wearing a lifejacket or PFD can save your life. Anything could happen during a day on the water. Plus it’s hard to put on a lifejacket once you’ve already fallen in.

4 posters on drowning prevention, in collaboration with the Lifesaving Society

We’ve partnered with the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch for this year’s National Drowning Prevention Week, taking place from July 19 to 25. We have co-branded messaging going out on our social channels and on the news. 

Learn more about drowning from the Lifesaving Society.