National Drowning Prevention Week kicks off July 19

July 15, 2026 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

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National Drowning Prevention Week launches July 19 and runs through July 25. The Kelowna RCMP will be in attendance at the community launch event at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park this Sunday, July 19, from 11 am to 4 pm.

According to data from the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon, more than 30 people have tragically lost their lives due to drowning in British Columbia so far this year. Many of these deaths may have been preventable through water-safety measures, including wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

As summer recreation ramps up, the Kelowna RCMP is sharing six key water-safety tips and reminding residents and visitors to be informed, prepared, and responsible while enjoying local waterways.

Six water-safety tips:

1. Recreate sober: Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and water do not mix. Operating a boat while impaired is illegal and significantly increases the risk of injury or drowning.
2. Practice swimming skills and self-rescue techniques: Learning to swim and being confident in the water is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning. Swimming lessons help people of all ages build confidence and develop essential water safety skills. Users of human-powered watercraft should also be prepared for the unexpected by learning and practising self-rescue techniques, and by always carrying and wearing the appropriate safety equipment.
3. Get licensed and build your skills: Operators of powered recreational vessels should carry a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of competency. Certification is only the first step; safe boating requires practice, experience, and a thorough understanding of navigation and waterway rules.
4. Wear a lifejacket or PFD:  Whether paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating, choose a flotation device designed for your activity to ensure both safety and comfort.
5. Be prepared before you launch: Ensure you have the required safety equipment, know how to use it, and confirm your vessel is in good working order. Check weather conditions before heading out and always tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return.
6. Use a spotter when towing or surfing: When towing skiers, tubers, wakeboarders, or surfers, a dedicated spotter should monitor the person being towed at all times. The spotter can alert the operator to falls, hazards, or changes in speed and direction that may be required.

To help keep area lakes safe for all users, the Kelowna RCMP vessel will be conducting patrols throughout the boating season and will be present during major events.

“With some planning and preparation, everyone can have a safe and fun time on the water,” says Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Our boat operators are looking forward to meeting you out on the water this summer.”

For more information about water safety please visit the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon’s Water Safety Education webpage.

Associated links

• Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon’s Water Safety Education webpage