The body of a 13-year-old girl who had been missing was tragically found in Cultus Lake after a paddleboarding incident. RCMP reported that the girl experienced a medical emergency and fell into the water while paddleboarding on Saturday. The underwater recovery team utilized sonar to locate her 20 meters below the surface in Entrance Bay, amid heavy silt hindering visibility.
This incident is part of a recent surge in drowning events in the region. Following the girl’s recovery, another distress call came in from Halfmoon Bay about a man who fell off his paddleboard without a life jacket and required assistance. Two individuals in a kayak attempted to help but ended up needing rescue themselves.
Data from the BC Coroners’ Service revealed a notable increase in accidental drowning deaths this year compared to the same period last year. Emergency services have responded to numerous drowning-related calls, emphasizing the importance of water safety. Risk factors such as lack of awareness of water conditions, cold temperatures, and the influence of alcohol and drugs can heighten the danger of drowning, even for proficient swimmers.
Authorities stress the need for vigilance, particularly when children are near water, advocating for “touch supervision” where children are kept within arm’s reach. To promote safety, free life jackets are available for borrowing at Cultus Lake through the Kids Don’t Float program, allowing visitors to equip themselves with proper safety gear.
