Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch

Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch BC & Yukon's Leader in Drowning Prevention

08/24/2026

Here at the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch, it’s Yukon Appreciation Week!

In the summer, the Yukon gets nearly 24 hours of daylight and warm temperatures—meaning a lot of people are recreating in, on, and around waterways. In the winter, as temperatures drop, ice safety skills become vital.

If you’re travelling on the water, make a trip plan and ensure someone knows where you’re going. Always wear a lifejacket or PFD. Swim in supervised areas and/or with a buddy.

There’s more to come for Yukon Appreciation Week, from highlighting swim camps to sharing some amazing NDPW initiatives. Stay tuned!

Summer isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty of time for safe water activities. If you’ll be paddleboarding soon, keep th...
08/19/2026

Summer isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty of time for safe water activities. If you’ll be paddleboarding soon, keep these tips in mind:

🦺 Always wear a PFD or lifejacket. Make sure your PFD fits properly and is approved by Transport Canada.
🏄🏻 Ensure your paddleboard has a leash. If you fall in, it will prevent the board from drifting away and leaving you stranded in open water.
🌦️ Check the weather and tides before you go out on the water.
🚫 Avoid substances. Alcohol and other substances severely impair your judgement and reaction time, increasing the risk of drowning.

For more water safety advice, click this link: https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/watersmart-education/

08/17/2026

From community events to lifeguarding championships, National Drowning Prevention Week made waves across BC & Yukon last month. 🌊🛟

The week started at Okanagan Lake in Kelowna with our launch ceremony, which brought together government and community leaders. Then, from Monday to Saturday, we set up shop at Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver! We played trivia games, handed out prizes, and educated the public about water safety.

Organizations and municipalities recognized the prevention week through council proclamations, hosting lifejacket fittings, offering the Swim to Survive program, and engaging the public on social media. We were so proud to see the strong commitment to water safety across BC and Yukon!

On July 25th, World Drowning Prevention Day, 19 landmarks lit up blue in support of drowning prevention. At Al Anderson Memorial Pool in Langley, five teams demonstrated their lifesaving skills in the 2026 Barnsley Lifeguarding Championships.

🛟🌊 Thank you to everyone who attended our launch event, engaged with us at Kits Beach, volunteered or competed at Barnsley, posted about NDPW, and promoted water safety during this week. Drowning prevention is a shared responsibility. Let’s unite to turn the tide against drowning!

Mayor Tom Dyas Scott Anderson, Member of Parliament for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee City of Kelowna City of West Kelowna Interior Health YMCA of Southern Interior BC Dalyce Brandt City of Maple Ridge Provincial Health Services Authority - PHSA Langley City Recreation Vancouver Park Board

During National Drowning Prevention Week, we held two contests: Show Us How You Fit Your Lifejacket and Best NDPW Commun...
08/14/2026

During National Drowning Prevention Week, we held two contests: Show Us How You Fit Your Lifejacket and Best NDPW Community Engagement.

We’re thrilled to announce the winners:
🥇 Show Us How You Fit Your Lifejacket: on Instagram
🥇 Best NDPW Community Engagement: City of Maple Ridge

Thank you to everyone who entered! We loved seeing your lifejacket photos, the amazing events hosted in BC & Yukon, and your clear commitment to water safety.

Stay tuned for more contests in the future!

Last weekend, 35 incredible athletes demonstrated their lifesaving skills at the Schon Cup Surf Lifesaving Championships...
08/12/2026

Last weekend, 35 incredible athletes demonstrated their lifesaving skills at the Schon Cup Surf Lifesaving Championships at Kits Fest. Congratulations to all athletes for their amazing efforts and achievements throughout this event!

We’re proud to recognize the Schon Cup 2026 overall winners:

🥇 Winning club: Pacific Swim Academy
🥇 Junior 12-14 Girls: Nico George (PSA)
🥇 Junior 12-14 Boys: Nihaal Kang (PSA)
🥇 Youth 15-18 Women: Martyna Zukowska (CLC)
🥇 Youth 15-18 Men: Kaleb Wilford (CLC)
🥇 Open Women: Abigail Skinder (PSA)
🥇 Open Men: Joseph Skinder (PSA)

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers and officials for making this event a success. See you next year!

The BC & Yukon Branch office will be closed on Monday, August 3 for BC Day. The office will reopen August 4.Heading out ...
08/03/2026

The BC & Yukon Branch office will be closed on Monday, August 3 for BC Day. The office will reopen August 4.

Heading out on the water this long weekend? Follow these tips to stay safe:
🚫 Avoid substances.
🏊 Choose lifeguard-supervised areas when swimming.
🦺 Wear a lifejacket or PFD when boating.

Click the link in our bio and go to “Be WaterSmart” for more water safety tips!

Happy International Lifeguard Appreciation Day!Did you know that less than 1% of drownings occur in lifeguard-supervised...
07/31/2026

Happy International Lifeguard Appreciation Day!

Did you know that less than 1% of drownings occur in lifeguard-supervised areas? Lifeguards are vital in aquatic environments. Through accident prevention, public education, and rescue response, they ensure that the water is safe for everyone.

Today and every day, we thank lifeguards for their vigilance, hard work, and commitment to water safety. We see you and we appreciate you!

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Barnsley Lifeguarding Championships!On July 25, the last day of National Dro...
07/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Barnsley Lifeguarding Championships!

On July 25, the last day of National Drowning Prevention Week, five teams showcased their strength, team spirit, and lifesaving skills at Al Anderson Memorial Pool. Congratulations to all who competed and to the 2026 Barnsley Shield winners, COPD!

A big thank you to our dedicated volunteers and staff, the City of Langley, and our gold sponsor, DB Perks & Associates. Stay tuned for more photos from this amazing competition!

Having a few drinks can be fun—but not while on the water. The wind, sun, and waves can actually make you feel more drun...
07/27/2026

Having a few drinks can be fun—but not while on the water.

The wind, sun, and waves can actually make you feel more drunk than if you were on land. Boats are big machines, like cars – being impaired makes it hard to steer and slows your reaction time.

Remember to choose sparkling water or pop, and save the beer or cocktail for the dock.

Drowning isn’t a joke—if you fall in, you won’t be able to put on a lifejacket while treading water at the same time. Ev...
07/27/2026

Drowning isn’t a joke—if you fall in, you won’t be able to put on a lifejacket while treading water at the same time.

Even on calm days, a lifejacket can provide peace of mind if the unthinkable happens.

Address

#112-3989 Henning Drive
Burnaby, BC
V5C6N5

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16042995450

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