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