BC government declines to add rescue gear to provincial lakes amid rising drownings
The province said it will not provide life-jacket loaners or rescue buoys at BC parks, despite a sharp increase in water deaths and a local advocacy campaign.
A surge in drownings - 42 fatalities this year compared with 27 the previous year - has prompted the BC and Yukon Lifesaving Society to call for safety upgrades at provincial lakes. After a paddle-board accident at Browning Lake, four Squamish residents drafted a letter requesting life-jacket loaners, clearer signs and rescue buoys at several popular swimming spots. Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford forwarded the request to the provincial Ministry of Environment and Parks, but the ministry replied that BC Parks does not provide life-jackets or rescue stations and sees no reason to alter that stance.
The ministry emphasized that park users are responsible for their own safety. Lifesaving Society executive director Lenea Grace expressed disappointment, noting that over 40 % of drownings involve people not wearing life jackets. The advocates continue to push for the measures, hoping they will prevent further deaths.
Why it matters
It highlights a policy gap in public safety as drownings rise, affecting thousands of recreational water users.
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