Chilliwack RCMP have successfully retrieved the body of a 13-year-old female from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a thorough three-day search at the popular Fraser Valley swimming destination. The authorities’ underwater recovery team located the teenager approximately 20 meters below the water surface around 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
According to Cpl. Carmen Kiener of Chilliwack RCMP, the young girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, is believed to have experienced a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fell off. Kiener expressed deep sorrow for the tragic loss, emphasizing that such incidents are unexpected and devastating for everyone involved.
Following an early afternoon report of a potential drowning on Saturday, law enforcement initiated a search operation for the missing teen. 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 on the lake bed. The case has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service for further investigation.
In light of the recent rise in accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer, with a notable 54% surge compared to the previous year, Chilliwack RCMP is urging the public to exercise extra caution around water bodies. Notably, Cultus Lake has witnessed a number of near-drowning incidents, underscoring the importance of water safety measures.
Kiener highlighted the frequency of near-drowning incidents at Cultus Lake, recounting a recent event where a man paddleboarding without a life jacket encountered distress. Subsequently, additional individuals fell into the water while attempting to assist, prompting RCMP intervention to rescue them. Kiener emphasized the critical need for proper safety precautions, including wearing a well-fitted life jacket, possessing essential swimming skills, and avoiding solo swimming activities.