KELOWNA, B.C.: Losing a child to drowning is a tragedy no parent should ever have to endure.
As Canadians mark National Drowning Prevention Week (July 19–25), Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew announced he will introduce the Child Water Safety Act during the fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
The announcement follows several recent drowning and water-related deaths in the Okanagan and across British Columbia, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention, education, and water safety awareness.
The private member’s bill would create a framework for a province-wide school-based water survival program, ensuring every child in B.C. has the opportunity to learn the basic skills needed to survive an unexpected immersion.
“National Drowning Prevention Week is an important reminder that drowning is preventable and that basic water survival skills save lives,” said Dew. “Our hearts are with the families affected by these recent tragedies. Every drowning devastates families and communities, while preventable fatalities and injuries also place significant costs on B.C.’s healthcare system. Investing in water survival education will save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce those long-term costs.”
The proposed legislation will be guided by three simple principles:
- Every child should have access to basic water survival education throughout school.
- B.C. should establish a clear provincial water survival standard.
- Access should be equitable, regardless of geography, disability, or family income.
The bill was inspired by the Lifesaving Society, British Columbia and Yukon Branch, and modelled on Ontario’s successful Swim to Survive program. The school-based program teaches three essential survival skills: rolling into deep water, treading water for one minute, and swimming 50 metres to safety.
“The goal isn’t to replace swimming lessons,” said Dew. “It’s to ensure every child leaves elementary school with basic water survival skills that could one day save their life. Ontario has shown this can be done through the school system, and B.C. can build a program that reflects our unique geography while ensuring no child is left behind. If this legislation prevents even one family from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a child, it will be worth it.”
Dew will introduce the Child Water Safety Act during the fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
For more information about Ontario’s Swim to Survive program, visit:
https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/swim-to-survive.aspx
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Erika Acuzar
Conservative.Communications@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948
