Every year, thousands of preventable drowning incidents occur across Canada, highlighting the urgent need for stronger water safety awareness. As we recognize National Drowning Prevention Week, it’s crucial to spotlight how local communities—like Kamloops and beyond—are taking action to build a culture of water safety. From educational programs to strategic partnerships, these efforts are saving lives and shaping a safer future near lakes, rivers, pools, and coastlines.
Why Water Safety Matters
According to the Lifesaving Society, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in Canada, especially among children under five and males aged 20-34. With British Columbia’s many recreational water sites—including the Thompson Rivers, Shuswap Lake, and Kamloops Lake—the need for consistent safety messaging, community involvement, and accessible training is greater than ever.
Key Facts:
Over 400 Canadians drown every year.
A majority of drownings occur during summer months.
Many victims never intended to enter the water (e.g., falls or vehicle accidents near water).
Local Initiatives That Are Making an Impact
1. Kamloops Lifesaving Society Programs
The Kamloops chapter of the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon delivers lifesaving courses, first aid training, and swimming lessons that empower both children and adults to respond in emergencies. Their Swim to Survive program teaches essential skills: how to roll into deep water, tread for 1 minute, and swim 50 meters.
2. City of Kamloops – Aquatics Division
The City runs multiple indoor and outdoor pools and offers Red Cross Swim and Lifesaving Society programs. The city also raises public awareness during National Drowning Prevention Week through signage, safety workshops, and lifeguard demonstrations.
3. School Outreach and Summer Camps
Local elementary schools and summer camps partner with certified instructors to provide fun, age-appropriate safety lessons. These sessions include water hazard recognition, safe boating practices, and proper use of lifejackets.
4. RCMP and BC Coroners Service Education Drives
Kamloops RCMP and local emergency responders conduct outreach events to discuss real-life scenarios and statistics. They stress the importance of supervision, especially when children are around pools, rivers, or docks.
5. Indigenous Water Safety Initiatives
Partnerships with Indigenous communities aim to provide culturally relevant water safety education and improve access to swimming facilities and training, particularly in remote areas near large bodies of water.
Tips to Stay Safe Around Water
While education is a big part of prevention, personal responsibility also plays a key role. Here are water safety tips every family should follow:
Always supervise children closely—even in shallow water.
Wear a lifejacket when boating or participating in water sports.
Learn to swim and enroll children in formal lessons early.
Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.
Know local conditions such as currents, drop-offs, and temperature.
Kamloops and BC: A Model for Safety and Prevention
The initiatives led in Kamloops are proof that community collaboration works. By integrating municipal services, local schools, non-profits, and Indigenous leadership, BC is building a foundation that other communities can replicate. As more people understand the risks and how to mitigate them, fewer lives will be lost to preventable drowning.
Final Thoughts
National Drowning Prevention Week is more than just a campaign—it’s a call to action. With every swimming lesson, safety sign, or lifejacket loan program, we're investing in safer summers and stronger communities. If you’re in Kamloops or anywhere in Canada, take the time to educate, participate, and advocate for water safety. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
