National drowning-prevention strategy

AI summary

Petitioners ask Canada to adopt a national drowning-prevention strategy aligned with UN and WHO guidance, using multisector collaboration. The government responds that departments support surveillance, partnerships, education and regulation to advance drowning prevention.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas: An average of 485 drowning fatalities occur in Canada each year; Non-fatal drowning incidents are nearly four times as common as fatal drowning; Drowning has one of the highest cost-per-case figures of all unintentional injury types, leading to estimates of over $191 million spent on drowning related care in 2018 as reported by Parachute Canada; Drowning is a public health issue with disproportionate impact on marginalized populations; Canada supported the United Nations resolution on Global Drowning Prevention in April 2021 and remains a supportive member state of the United Nations and the World Health Organization; The mandates of federal government departments, including the Public Health Agency, Public Safety, Environment and Climate Change, Transport, and others, encompass critical elements of drowning prevention in Canada; Therefore, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call on the Government of Canada to: Engage with and support multisectoral and collaborative efforts to develop and implement a Canadian Drowning Prevention Strategy in alignment with the United Nations resolution on Global Drowning Prevention and best practice as outlined by the World Health Organization.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Health Signed by Maggie Chi As the third-leading cause of injury-related death for Canadian children under 14 years of age, drowning is a significant concern that can lead to injury and death and affect individuals, families, and communities across the country. It often happens quickly, but it is preventable through safety measures such as close supervision, learning water safety skills, and wearing lifejackets. Preventing both fatal and non-fatal drowning is important, requiring collaboration among multiple partners. While many jurisdictions have a role to play, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) contributes to injury prevention, including drowning prevention, through surveillance, evidence, and collaboration with external organizations in drowning prevention. PHAC contributes to the evidence base needed to inform prevention efforts by maintaining the Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP). As part of this program, PHAC collaborates with Statistics Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners in provinces and territories to collect, analyze, and report data on fatal and non-fatal injuries, including drowning. In 2023, PHAC published Drowning-related injuries and deaths in Canada, which provides national information on drowning trends and populations disproportionately affected. Canada also supports global initiatives, including the United Nations’ initiative on drowning prevention, and works with other partners such as Parachute to support evidence-informed approaches and to better understand the burden and economic costs of injuries, including water-related injuries and drownings in Canada. Response by the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Signed by Mike Kelloway The Government recognizes that drowning remains a significant public health and safety issue and acknowledges the profound impacts that drowning incidents have on individuals, families, communities, and Canada's healthcare system. The Government also recognizes the importance of coordinated action among all orders of government, Indigenous partners, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders to reduce drowning-related fatalities and injuries. Canada supports the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention and remains committed to advancing evidence-based measures that contribute to improved water safety outcomes. An average of 485 drowning fatalities occur in Canada each year, approximately 20% of these are boating-related fatalities. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce recreational boating fatalities, Transport Canada has undertaken research and engagement activities with members of the recreational boating community, industry, safety organizations, Indigenous partners, and Canadians to inform potential regulatory amendments related to the wearing of personal flotation devices and lifejackets while boating. Building on this work, Transport Canada conducted a national public consultation in Fall 2024 regarding proposed mandatory wear requirements for personal flotation devices and lifejackets. Feedback received through the consultation demonstrated a range of views regarding mandatory wear requirements, with most respondents supporting mandatory wear in specific circumstances rather than universally. Respondents generally identified age-based requirements and requirements targeting higher-risk vessel types as measures that could have the greatest impact on reducing recreational boating fatalities. The Department continues to consider public input as it evaluates potential amendments to the Small Vessel Regulations. Transport Canada also supports ongoing communications about boating safety that is proactive, clear, and accessible. Messaging focuses on: education and prevention-focused boating safety; boating operator competency and responsible operation; and modernized regulatory oversight and compliance. As part of education efforts, Transport Canada produces a Safe Boating Guide and has produced many videos focused on the importance of wearing lifejackets. The Government will continue to work collaboratively with partners and to support efforts that improve water safety and advance drowning prevention objectives across Canada.