Canadian Drowning Report - 2017 Edition Prepared for the Lifesaving Society Canada by the Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada
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Canadian
Drowning Report
2017 Edition
Prepared for the Lifesaving Society Canada by the
Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada
The long-term downward Change in Number of Unintentional Water-Related Deaths
and Death Rates in Canada over 25 years, 1990-2014
trend of drowning deaths 645
in Canada continues. 574 Avg. no. of deaths per year
452 489 464
Avg. death rate per year
per 100,000 population
2.3 1.9 1.4 1.5 1.3
1990-1994 1995-1999 2000-2004 2005-2009 2010-2014
According to the most recent data This decrease can be partially attributed An average of 464 people drowned in
from the Chief Coroner’s and Medical to fewer drowning deaths reported in Canada each year in the most current
Examiner’s offices in Canada, there were the most populous provinces: Ontario, five-year period (2010-2014), down from
428 drowning deaths in Canadian waters Quebec, and British Columbia. In 2014, an average of 489 per year in 2005-2009.
in 2014, the lowest number of water- data collected from the Office of the The average water-related death rate has
related fatalities to be reported in the Chief Coroner of Ontario indicated that decreased over the past 25 years from
last 25 years. 130 water-related fatalities occurred that 2.3 per 100,000 population each year
year, 30 fewer than any other year in the in the early 90’s (1990-1994) to 1.3 per
previous decade. In Quebec, 77 were 100,000 population in the most recent
reported, compared to a yearly average of data (2010-2014). Despite this long-term
83 and in British Columbia, 66 drowning progress, high numbers of preventable
deaths were reported compared to an water-related fatalities continue to occur
average of 75 per year. in Canada: a total of 2,322 children, youth
and adults lost their lives in Canadian
waters between 2010 and 2014.
683 685
Number of Preventable Water-Related
Deaths in Canada, 1990 to 2014
632 632
617
Number of fatalities per year
622
601
566
551
503 508
492 494 495
483
472 466
457 480
450
470
428
448 450
433
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2 Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving Society
Number of Canada-wide unintentional
water-related deaths, 2015 and 2016
Unintentional Water-Related
Fatalities by Province/Territory, 2015 and 2016
For drowning deaths that occurred Province/Territory 2015 2016
after 2014, only preliminary interim
Alberta 15 14
data from media and internet reports
are available. The chart below indicates British Columbia 67 56
that at least 311 drowning deaths Manitoba 8 14
occurred in 2015 and at least 297 New Brunswick 7 10
occurred in 2016.
Newfoundland and Labrador 18 10
Nova Scotia 18 7
Northwest Territories 2 0
Nunavut 5 1
Ontario 92 117
Prince Edward Island 0 1
Quebec 63 57
Saskatchewan 14 9
Yukon 2 1
Total 311 297
Who is drowning? fatality rates in 2010-2014 were once
again found among young adults aged
The lowest drowning rates were found
among young people. Youth 5-14 years of
20-34, baby boomers 50-64 years of age, age had the lowest water-related fatality
and seniors 65 and older (1.5, 1.5, and 1.9 rate of all ages (0.4 per 100,000). The
Age per 100,000 respectively). Within these long-term trend of decreasing death rates
age groups, 20-24 year-olds, 55-59 year- among children under 5 continued in
The average age of olds, and 85-89 year-olds had the highest 2010-2014 (1.1 per 100,000 down 8%
drowning victims is death rate (1.8, 1.6, and 2.4 per 100,000 from 1.2 per 100,000 in 2005-2009).
population, respectively). Moreover,
increasing in line with the 20-24 year-olds had the highest number
aging Canadian population. of drowning deaths of all age groups with
an average of 43 drowning fatalities each
year.
In the 2010-2014 period, the average age Age Group Avg. no. of deaths per year
of drowning victims was 44, compared Number of Unintentional
Avg. death rate per year
to 41 in the previous five-year period. Water-Related Deaths and Death
per 100,000 population
Looking at the population-based water- Rates by Age in Canada, 2010-2014
related fatality rates, the age groups with 43
36 34 38 38
the highest risk of drowning in Canada 29 31 31 29 27 25
have remained consistent over the past 21 22
16 15
8 8 11
ten years. The highest water-related 2
1.1 0.4 0.4 1.3 1.8 1.5 1.3 1.0 1.4 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.4 1.6 2.1 1.7 2.1 2.4 0.9
0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 90+
Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving Society 3
Sex Ethnicity
The majority of drowning Drowning risk varies based
deaths in Canada occur on ethnicity.
among males.
Consistent with previous years, The proportion of male drowning Indigenous peoples continue to be at
approximately 8 out of 10 drowning victims varies by location and age. a higher risk for drowning than non-
victims were male. Of the 464 drowning Although more drowning deaths occur Indigenous Canadian residents. In
fatalities that occurred on average each among males in every region of Canada, the 2010-2014 period, an average of 50
year between 2010 and 2014, 376 victims the skew towards males was even more people who drowned each year (12% of
were male. This translates to a water- pronounced in Atlantic Canada. In all drowning fatalities) were reported
related fatality rate of 2.2 per 100,000 Newfoundland and Labrador and in to be Indigenous. Comparatively,
population. In comparison, an average of the Maritime provinces, 9 out of 10 approximately 4% of the Canadian
89 females drowned each year, a rate of drowning victims were male. By age, the population identifies as an Indigenous
0.5 per 100,000 population. greatest proportion of male drowning person.
deaths once again occurred among
young adults 20-34 years and the lowest The Drowning Prevention Research
proportions among children under 5 and Centre Canada continues to explore
the elderly. the risk of drowning for new-comers to
Canada. As part of this effort, in 2010
There were fewer drowning fatalities we began collecting data on the country
among females in 2014 than in recent of birth of drowning victims, as well as
years. After a moderate increase in how long they had been living in Canada
the number and proportion of female prior to drowning. Unfortunately,
drowning fatalities in each year from obtaining this information continues to
2010 to 2013, culminating in over 100 be difficult; country of birth could not be
female drowning deaths in 2013 (23%), determined in almost 60% of cases. More
84 drowning fatalities occurred among work is needed to improve the reporting
females in 2014, and the proportion of of information regarding birth place of
female drowning victims decreased drowning victims. From cases where
to 20%. the information was available, we know
that since 2010, 90 drowning victims
have been reported being born outside
Canada, in North America, Africa, Asia
or Europe.
4 Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving SocietyWhen are they drowning?
By time of year By day of week
Drowning deaths occur Water-related fatalities
throughout the year in occur on every day of the
Canada, with the largest week, with the largest
number in the warmer number occurring on
months (May through the weekend.
September).
In the 2010-2014 period, over two-thirds Consistent with the previous five-year
(67%) of all water-related fatalities period, over half (54%) of the drowning
occurred in one of these months, an deaths in 2010-2014 occurred on the
average of 312 drowning deaths each weekend (Friday to Sunday), and just
year. The greatest number of incidents under half (46%) during the week
occurred in July (19%, an average of 89 (Monday to Thursday). The highest
deaths each year). The proportion of incidence of fatal drowning occurred
drowning deaths in the warmer months on Saturday (101/year, 22%) followed
was slightly higher in 2010-2014 than by Sunday (90/year, 19%).
the previous five-year period (64% in
2005-2009). This increase was caused by
more drowning deaths in June (68/year
vs 65/year), July (89/year vs 86/year), and 89 (19%)
86 (18%)
September (42/year vs 35/year) and fewer
drowning deaths in the colder months
with the exception of February.
75 (15%)
70 (15%)
68 (15%)
65 (13%)
Time of Year
53 (11%)
Average Number of Deaths per Year 2005-2009
and Percentage of Unintentional
2010-2014
Water-Related Deaths in Canada, 2005-2014
43 (9%)
42 (9%)
35 (7%)
33 (7%)
29 (6%)
28 (6%)
25 (5%)
24 (5%)
23 (5%)
21 (4%)
19 (4%)
19 (4%)
18 (4%)
18 (4%)
17 (4%)
16 (3%)
14 (3%)
14 (3%)
10 (2%)
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Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving Society 5Where are they drowning?
Body of water
Drowning deaths occur Drowning fatalities in man-made
settings are less common, but still
An average of 36 drowning deaths per
year occurred in a pool in 2010-2014,
in almost every type of accounted for an average of 163 water- accounting for 8% of all unintentional
body of water in Canada, related fatalities each year in 2010-2014.
Consistent with previous years, bathtubs
drowning deaths. Consistent with
previous years, the majority of pool
with the largest number were the number one man-made setting drowning fatalities occurred in private
occurring in natural bodies where drowning deaths occurred (10%).
The highest incidence of bathtub
pools (89%). The highest incidence of
private pool fatality occurred in Ontario
of water. drowning death once again occurred in (90) followed by Quebec (39), and British
Ontario (113), followed by Quebec (38), Columbia (14); contributing to 11%,
Alberta (28), and British Columbia (25); 9%, and 4% of each of these province’s
Consistent with previous years, the contributing to 14%, 9%, 14%, and 7% of total drowning deaths respectively. It
majority (73%) of water-related fatalities each of these province’s total drowning is difficult to obtain detailed fence and
in 2010-2014 occurred in natural bodies deaths respectively. gate information from backyard pool
of water such as lakes and ponds (36%), drowning cases. In instances where this
rivers and streams (28%), and oceans information was available, 40% of the
(8%). The Atlantic provinces and the pools had no fence present or a non-
Territories continue to have even higher compliant fence, and 77% had either no
proportions of drowning fatalities in gate, or the gate was neither self-closing
natural bodies of water than other nor self-latching.
provinces (ranging from 89% to 100%).
On average, 338 people drown in a Few drowning deaths occur in lifeguard
natural body of water in Canada each supervised settings such as public
year. pools and waterfronts. In 2010-2014
approximately 1% of all water-related
185 (38%)
Lake or Pond fatalities occurred in a setting supervised
168 (36%)
by lifeguards.
136 (28%)
River/Creek/Stream
132 (28%) The body of water where people most
51 (10%)
commonly drown differs by age group.
Ocean Young and middle-aged adults most
38 (8%)
commonly drown in natural bodies of
45 (9%)
Bathtub water such as lakes and rivers. Infants
44 (10%)
under 1 year and seniors over 65 years
Private Pool
28 (6%) of age are vulnerable groups for bathtub
32 (7%)
drowning deaths. In 2010-2014, 100%
15 (3%) of infant drowning deaths occurred
Ditch/Culvert
15 (3%) in a bathtub. Seniors 65 years and
older accounted for 40% of all bathtub
Hot tub/Whirlpool
8 (2%) Body of Water
drownings. Private backyard pools
8 (2%) Average Number of Deaths
Per Year and Percentage continue to be the primary setting where
4 (1%)
Public Pool of Unintentional Water-Related children 1-4 years of age most often
4 (1%)
Deaths in Canada, 2005-2014 drown (39%).
4 (1%)
Canal
2 (Provinces and Territories Territories, the next highest drowning
rates were found in Newfoundland and
and Labrador and in Nova Scotia, the
drowning rate decreased by 24% (from
Labrador (3.5 per 100,000), followed by 4.6 per 100,000 to 3.5 per 100,000 in
Drowning occurs in all Saskatchewan (2.4 per 100,000). Newfoundland and Labrador and from
2.0 per 100,000 to 1.5 per 100,000 in
regions of Canada with the Compared with the previous five- Nova Scotia), and in New Brunswick a
Territories, Newfoundland year period, the water-related fatality 14% decrease was reported (from 1.7 per
rate decreased in most provinces and 100,000 to 1.4 per 100,000).
and Labrador, and territories in 2010-2014, consistent with
Saskatchewan having the the overall decrease in the national Provinces that experienced a more
drowning rate. The largest decreases moderate decrease in water-related
highest drowning rates by occurred in the Territories and the fatality rate were British Columbia
population. Atlantic provinces. In the 2010-2014 (-12%), Ontario (-11%), Alberta (-9%), and
period, the drowning rate in the Quebec (-5%). Saskatchewan was the
Northwest Territories decreased by 44% only province to report an increase in
The average water-related fatality rates from 13.9 per 100,000 population in water-related fatality rate in the 2010-
in Nunavut (13.2 per 100,000), the Yukon 2005-2009 to 7.8 per 100,000 population 2014 period (+35% from 1.7 per 100,000
(10.0 per 100,000), and the Northwest in 2010-2014. Smaller decreases were in 2005-2009 to 2.4 per 100,000 in 2010-
Territories (7.8 per 100,000), continue to observed in the Yukon (-14% from 11.6 2014).
be substantially higher than anywhere to 10.0), and Nunavut (-13% from 15.3 to
else in Canada in 2010-2014. After the 13.2 per 100,000). In both Newfoundland
Urban vs. Rural Location Province and Territory
Average Number of Unintentional
Water-Related Deaths per Year and
A disproportionately high Death Rates in Canada, 2005-2014
number of people drown
in rural environments 2005-2009
171 (1.3)
compared with the number 2010-2014
160 (1.2)
who actually live there.
Less than 20% of the Canadian
population lives in a rural area, yet
39% of all drowning fatalities in 2010-
83 (1.1)
83 (1.0)
2014 occurred in a rural environment.
81 (1.9)
75 (1.7)
Consistent with previous years, the areas
of Canada with the highest proportion
of rural drownings were Saskatchewan
(80%), Manitoba (68%), and the
41 (1.0)
40 (1.2)
Territories (71%). For comparison,
26 (2.4)
25 (2.0)
24 (2.0)
23 (4.6)
the proportion of the population that
18 (3.5)
18 (2.0)
18 (1.7)
14 (1.5)
12 (1.7)
lives in a rural area in Saskatchewan
11 (1.4)
6 (13.9)
5 (15.3)
5 (13.2)
4 (11.6)
4 (10.0)
is approximately 33%, in Manitoba
3 (7.8)
2 (1.6)
1 (0.7)
approximately 28%, and in the Territories
an average of approximately 46%.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Quebec
Ontario
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
British Columbia
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Yukon
Of the 913 drowning fatalities that
occurred in rural areas of Canada
between 2010 and 2014, 396 (43%) were
reported as permanently residing in an
urban area.
Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving Society 7What were they doing? Purpose of Activity
Average Number of Deaths per Year and
Percentage of Unintentional Water-Related Deaths
in Canada, 2005-2014
Recreational 290 (59%)
282 (61%)
Daily Living 126 (26%)
123 (27%)
Occupational 28 (6%)
21 (4%)
2005-2009
10 (2%)
Attempted Rescue
8 (2%) 2010-2014
36 (7%)
Unknown
30 (6%)
Purpose of activity Daily living activities (27%) continue to
account for the second highest number
In an average of 30 fatal drowning cases
per year (6%), the activity immediately
of drowning incidents in Canada. prior to drowning was unknown,
The majority of drowning Between 2010 and 2014, an average of indicating that there continue to be a
deaths in Canada occur 123 people drowned in Canada each year number of people who are undertaking
while engaged in routine daily activities. aquatic activities alone, or that the
during recreational The most common daily living activities activity immediately prior to the
activities. engaged in prior to drowning were drowning was not witnessed.
bathing (35%) and motor vehicle travel
(31%). An average of 81 people drowned
Between 2010 and 2014, an average of each year while engaged in one of these
282 drowning deaths occurred each year two routine activities.
while the person was recreating in, on, Most Common Primary
79 (28%)
or near the water, accounting for 61% of Together, recreational and daily living Recreational Activities
Average Number of Deaths
all unintentional water-related fatalities. activities accounted for most (87%)
per Year and Percentage of
Consistent with previous years, the unintentional water-related fatalities.
Recreational Drowning Deaths
most common recreational activities Fewer drowning incidents involving in Canada, 2010-2014
79 (28%)
were swimming (28%), and walking, occupational activities (4%) occurred,
running, or playing near water or on ice and the number and proportion of
(15%). An average of 121 people drowned occupational drowning deaths decreased
each year while engaged in one of these slightly from the previous five-year
42 (15%)
two activities. Powerboating (10%) period from an average of 28 per year
and fishing from a boat (9%) were also (6%) in 2005-2009 to an average of 21
2010-2014
29 (10%)
common recreational activities engaged per year (4%) in 2010-2014. A higher
26 (9%)
in by drowning victims. An average of 55 proportion of occupation-related
people each year lost their lives during drowning deaths occurred in the Atlantic
18 (7%)
one of these two activities. provinces: 20% in Nova Scotia, 18% in
15 (5%)
Newfoundland and Labrador, and 17%
8 (3%)
8 (3%)
in New Brunswick. Consistent with
7 (3%)
7 (2%)
7 (2%)
6 (2%)
previous years, the most vulnerable
sector for occupational drowning
deaths was commercial fishing (45%),
Walking/Running/Playing Near Water
Powerboating
Fishing from a Boat
Canoeing
Diving/Jumping
Fishing from Land
Scuba Diving
Swimming
Other Non-power Boating
Snowmobiling
Kayaking
Riding ATV
and despite the overall decrease in the
number of occupational drowning
deaths, the number of commercial
fishing drowning fatalities increased
slightly (+7%) over the previous five-year
period.
8 Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving SocietyType of Activity
Average Number of Deaths per Year
and Percentage of Unintentional Water-
Type of activity After boating and aquatic activities,
unintended water entry (such as an
Related Deaths in Canada, 2005-2014
unexpected fall into water) during a non-
Water-related fatalities aquatic activity accounted for the next
most commonly occur greatest proportion of incidents (20%).
2005-2009
An average of 91 people drowned each
during aquatic activities year as the result of unintentional water 2010-2014
123 (25%)
123 (26%)
119 (26%)
and boating.
117 (24%)
entry.
96 (20%)
Land, ice and air transportation (14%)
91 (20%)
87 (18%)
An average of 123 people each year (26%) accounted for an average of 64 drowning
drowned while engaged in an aquatic fatalities each year, representing the
64 (14%)
activity (where they intended to be in the most substantial decrease by type of
water but something went wrong), and activity from the previous five-year
44 (9%)
44 (9%)
an average of 119 people each year (26%) period. In 2005-2009, an average of 87
drowned while engaging in powered or people drowned during one of these
23 (5%)
22 (4%)
non-powered boating. types of transportation each year (18%).
Consistent with the previous five-year
period, bathing accounted for 9% of all
Boating Incidents by water-related fatalities in 2010-2014. An
Boating
Aquatic Activity
Non-aquatic Activity
Land, Ice or Air Transportation
Bathing
Unknown
Type of Vessel average of 44 people drowned each year
Average Number of Deaths per
while bathing.
Year and Percentage of Boating
Deaths in Canada, 2005-2014
Boating
35 (28%)
Boating-related drowning In boating-related deaths for which
personal flotation device (PFD)
fatalities often involve
29 (24%)
information was available, 82% of the
2005-2009
powerboats. Common people who drowned were not wearing a
27 (22%)
26 (22%)
2010-2014 PFD/lifejacket at the time of the incident
risk factors are alcohol and an additional 4% were not wearing it
consumption and not properly. Of those who were known not
to be wearing a PFD/lifejacket, at least
wearing a personal 34% had a lifejacket present in the boat
flotation device. but were unable to put it on during the
17 (14%)
incident. Alcohol consumption was a
15 (13%)
15 (12%)
factor in 39% of boating-related fatalities.
The most common types of boating
13 (10%)
The characteristics of boating-related
12 (10%)
drowning deaths in Canada remain incidents that led to drowning were
11 (9%)
consistent with those reported in the capsizing (38%) and falling or being thrown
past. Over half (53%) of boating deaths overboard (28%).
7 (6%)
once again occurred during powerboat
6 (5%)
use. Among these, small powerboats less
5 (4%)
5 (4%)
4 (3%)
4 (3%)
than 5.5 meters in length (24%) were more
3 (3%)
3 (3%)
3 (2%)
3 (2%)
commonly involved in drowning fatalities
than large powerboats (12%) or personal
watercraft (2%). An average of 64 drowning
deaths occurred each year during
Powerboat 5.5m
Powerboat, Size Unknown
Kayak
Inflatable Craft
Sailboat
Personal Watercraft
Rowboat
Other/Unknown
powerboat use. After powerboats, canoes
(22%) were the next most common type
of vessel involved in boating incidents.
An average of 26 people drowned
each year while canoeing.
Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving Society 9Why did they drown? …risk factors
The major risk factors Swimming Ages 35-64
contributing to ‘why’ »» Weak or non-swimmer (45% of »» Not wearing a PFD when relevant
swimming-related deaths for which (77% of deaths for which PFD
water-related fatalities swimming ability information was information was available)
occur in Canada remain available) »» Alone (51%)
consistent with those »» Alcohol consumption (34%)
»» Alcohol consumption (44%)
identified in previous years. »» Swimming alone (28%)
»» Heart disease/sudden cardiac event
Ages 65+
while swimming (20%) »» Not wearing a PFD when relevant
Alcohol is a common factor associated
(78% of deaths for which PFD
with drowning. On average, in one Ages 0-4 information was available)
third of drowning deaths in Canada,
the victim had consumed alcohol prior »» Alone near water (61%) »» Alone (72%)
to the incident. Not wearing a personal »» Supervision absent (58%) »» Alcohol consumption (21%)
flotation device or lifejacket while
»» Supervision present but distracted
boating is also a common occurrence.
(36%)
Only 1 in 10 victims of boating-related
fatalities were known to be wearing a »» With other minors only (22%)
PFD at the time of the incident. Both
alcohol consumption and lack of PFD Ages 5-14
use are particularly common risk factors »» Not wearing a PFD when relevant
among teenagers (15-19) and young adults (56%)
(20-34).
»» Alone or with other minors only
The major risk factors identified in (50%)
the 2010-2014 data are summarized
below. The factors are organized by Ages 15-19
most common activities (swimming and »» Not wearing a PFD when relevant
boating), as well as by age group. (96% of deaths for which PFD
information was available)
Boating »» Alcohol consumption (41%)
»» Alone (26%)
»» Not wearing a PFD/lifejacket (82%
of boating deaths for which PFD »» In, on or near the water after dark
information was available) (21%)
»» Cold water (59% of boating deaths
for which water temperature
Ages 20-34
information was available) »» Not wearing a PFD when relevant
(85% of deaths for which PFD
»» Alcohol consumption (39%)
information was available)
»» Capsizing (38%)
»» Alcohol consumption (51%)
»» Boating alone (29%)
»» Alone (31%)
»» Falling or being thrown overboard
»» In, on or near the water after dark
(28%)
(24%)
»» Boating in darkness or twilight (24%)
»» Rough water (21%)
10 Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving SocietyIn Summary
The latest data indicates that the long-term trend of decreasing Despite decreases from the previous five-year period, the
drowning death rates in Canada continues. In 2014, the highest drowning rates in 2010-2014 were still found in the
number of unintentional water-related fatalities reported by Territories. Saskatchewan was the only province where water-
the provincial and territorial Coroner’s and Medical Examiner’s related fatality rates increased.
offices was 428, the lowest in the last 25 years.
Almost two-thirds of all fatal unintentional drowning occurred
The highest drowning rates were found among men, young during a recreational activity, and another quarter during
adults 20-34 years of age and seniors 65 and older. daily living activities. By type of activity, boating and aquatic
activities such as swimming and wading were the most
Drowning fatalities were most likely to occur during the common.
summer, on weekends, and in natural bodies of water such as
lakes and rivers. Fewer drowning deaths occurred in man-made The long-term progress that has been made in reducing death
settings, but among these, bathtubs and private pools were by drowning in Canada is encouraging, but there are still
most common. an average of 464 preventable, unintentional water-related
fatalities occurring each year. This reinforces the need for
continued drowning prevention efforts.
Canadian Drowning Report
Research methodology Interim data
Drowning
Complete data from 1990-2014
Complete final data on more recent
drownings and other water-related deaths
Prevention
The drowning research process involves data
collection; research tabulation and analysis.
are not yet available from the offices of the
provincial/territorial Chief Coroners and
Research Centre
The water-related death data is extracted from
the offices of the Chief Coroners and Medical
Medical Examiners. The interim, preliminary
data are derived from media releases, media
Canada
clippings, news reports and internet searches.
Examiners in each province/territory. The The Drowning Prevention Research Centre
scope of this research: is the lead agency for drowning and water-
»» collects the data needed to profile victims Acknowledgements incident research in Canada. The Centre
of aquatic incidents, including the conducts research into fatal and non-fatal
circumstances and contributing factors We gratefully acknowledge the support, co- drowning, significant aquatic injury and
under which these incidents occurred. operation and efforts of: rescue interventions.
»» includes all deaths in each province/ »» The Chief Coroner’s Office and the Chief
Contact Barbara Byers, Research Director,
territory and Canada overall resulting Medical Examiners in each province/
Email: experts@drowningresearch.ca,
from incidents “in, on or near” water; territory, who permitted and facilitated
Telephone: 416-490-8844.
“near-water” incidents were included if confidential access to coroners’ reports on
the incident was closely related to water- unintentional water-related deaths. This
based recreational, vocational or daily provided the base data for this research
living activity, or if the presence of water and report.
appeared to be an attraction contributing »» The volunteers who contributed their
to the incident. time and energy including data extraction
»» includes only unintentional deaths. It on unintentional water-related deaths
does not include deaths due to natural from coroners’ files.
causes, suicide, or homicide. »» Tessa Clemens who was primary author
and data analyst for this report and Lucie
Simoes who provided data input and
verification.
Canadian Drowning Report • 2017 Edition • Lifesaving Society 11Contact us The Lifesaving
National Office Ontario Society
Tel: 613-746-5694 Tel: 416-490-8844
Email: experts@lifesaving.ca Email: experts@lifeguarding.com The Lifesaving Society – Canada’s
www.lifesaving.ca www.lifesavingsociety.com lifeguarding experts – works to prevent
drowning and reduce water-related
British Columbia & Yukon Quebec injury through its training programs,
Tel: 604-299-5450 Tel: 514-252-3100 Water Smart® public education, aquatic
Email: info@lifesaving.bc.ca Email: alerte@sauvetage.qc.ca safety management, drowning research
www.lifesaving.bc.ca www.sauvetage.qc.ca and lifesaving sport. Annually, over
1,000,000 Canadians participate in the
Alberta and Northwest Territories New Brunswick Society’s swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard
Tel: 780-415-1755 Tel: 506-455-5762 and leadership training programs. The
Email: experts@lifesaving.org Email: info@lifesavingnb.ca Society sets the standard for aquatic
www.lifesaving.org www.lifesavingnb.ca safety in Canada and certifies Canada’s
National Lifeguards.
Saskatchewan Nova Scotia
Tel: 306-780-9255 Tel: 902-425-5450
Email: lifesaving@sasktel.net Email: experts@lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
www.lifesavingsociety.sk.ca www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
Manitoba Prince Edward Island
Tel: 204-956-2124 Tel: 902-368-7757
Email: aquatics@lifesaving.mb.ca Email: info@lifesavingsocietypei.ca
www.lifesaving.mb.ca www.lifesavingsocietypei.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador
Tel: 709-576-1953
Email: info@lifesavingnl.ca
www.lifesavingnl.ca
The Lifesaving Society Canada hosts the
International Lifesaving Federation’s
World Conference on Drowning
Prevention in Vancouver, October 17–19.
Visit www.wcdp2017.org.You can also read
