Chilliwack RCMP have successfully located the body of a 13-year-old girl at Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a thorough three-day search. The RCMP’s underwater recovery team discovered the teenager approximately 20 meters beneath the water’s surface around 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
The young girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, is believed to have encountered a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fell into the water. RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener expressed deep sorrow for the tragic incident, highlighting the unexpected nature of such accidents at the lake.
Authorities initiated the search following a report of a possible drowning on Saturday afternoon. Search teams concentrated their efforts in the Entrance Bay area, urging boaters and the public to avoid the region due to poor visibility caused by heavy silt at the lake bottom. The investigation has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service.
In light of the rising number of accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer, with a reported 54% increase compared to the previous year, Chilliwack RCMP reiterated the importance of water safety precautions. Kiener noted that near-drowning incidents are frequently reported at Cultus Lake, emphasizing the need for vigilance around water bodies.
Kiener recounted a recent incident where a man paddleboarding without a life jacket experienced distress, prompting a rescue operation by RCMP. Additionally, she mentioned another drowning scare earlier in the month at the same lake, underscoring the risks associated with water activities.
To enhance safety, RCMP advised the public to always wear properly fitted life jackets, possess adequate swimming skills, and avoid swimming alone. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that water poses and the critical need for preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future.