RCMP have successfully located the body of a 13-year-old girl at Cultus Lake in British Columbia after an extensive three-day search of the popular swimming spot in the Fraser Valley. The authorities’ underwater recovery team made the discovery on Monday afternoon, approximately 20 meters beneath the water’s surface.
The adolescent, who was not wearing a life jacket, is suspected to have encountered a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday before falling into the water, as stated by Chilliwack RCMP Corporal Carmen Kiener. Kiener expressed deep regret for the tragic incident, emphasizing that such occurrences are unexpected and devastating.
Following a report of a potential drowning on Saturday, law enforcement initiated a search operation for the missing teenager. Search teams concentrated their efforts on the Entrance Bay vicinity, urging boaters and the public to steer clear due to poor visibility caused by heavy silt on the lake bed. The case has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service for further investigation.
Chilliwack RCMP is urging the public to exercise caution around water bodies, particularly in light of a significant increase in accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer compared to the previous year. Kiener highlighted that near-drowning incidents are common at Cultus Lake, citing a recent event involving a man who encountered distress while paddleboarding without a life jacket.
In addition to the recent tragedies, Kiener recounted another incident earlier in the month where bystanders intervened to save a drowning man at the lake. She emphasized the importance of water safety, stressing the necessity of wearing a properly fitted life jacket, possessing adequate swimming skills, and avoiding solo swimming.