Experts in water safety advise caution when you are near any body of water, especially as drowning incidents begin to increase during this time of year.
The Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition reports that over 400 Canadians die from drowning each year. Drowning is preventable, but it remains a “significant cause of illness and death” in Canada and the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.
So far, the Quebec Lifesaving Society branch has recorded 19 unofficial drowning incidents in 2023. The organization reported 61 unofficial drowning deaths in the province last year, a decrease from 81 incidents in 2021.
The Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition reports that water-related fatalities are more likely to occur on weekends between May and September in natural water areas such as lakes and rivers. Fewer drowning deaths occur in artificial environments, although bathtubs and private pools are among the most common locations.
The Lifesaving Society advises individuals to be vigilant when participating in water-related activities, as alcohol and marijuana impair balance, judgment, and reflexes. A 2017 report prepared by the Canadian Drowning Prevention Research Centre for this organization revealed that alcohol was reported as a significant risk factor in both boating and swimming-related drowning incidents. The Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition’s report prepared last year noted that from 2013 to 2017, alcohol was a factor in 44% of drowning deaths among individuals aged 15-34. Alcohol was also found in 43% of drowning deaths among those aged 35-64 and 18% among Canadians aged 65 and above.
