RCMP successfully located the body of a 13-year-old girl at Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a thorough three-day search of the popular Fraser Valley swimming destination. The underwater recovery team discovered the teenager around 20 meters beneath the water’s surface at approximately 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
According to Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, the girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, is believed to have experienced a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday, leading to her fall into the water. Kiener expressed deep sorrow for the tragic loss, emphasizing that such incidents are unexpected and regrettable.
Following an early Saturday afternoon report of a potential drowning, law enforcement initiated a search operation for the missing teen. The search efforts were concentrated in the Entrance Bay area, where the presence of heavy silt on the lake bed posed visibility challenges, prompting authorities to advise boaters and the public to avoid the area.
Responsibility for the investigation has been transferred to the B.C. Coroners Service, while Chilliwack RCMP issued a reminder to the public to exercise caution around bodies of water. Notably, accidental drownings in British Columbia have surged by 54% compared to last year, underlining the importance of water safety measures.
Kiener highlighted the prevalence of near-drowning incidents at Cultus Lake, recounting a recent episode where a man fell off a paddleboard without a life jacket and required rescue. Another individual who attempted to assist also needed help, with both individuals ultimately being rescued by RCMP personnel.
In a separate incident earlier in the month, a man at the lake faced a near-drowning situation and had to be transported to the hospital after receiving aid from bystanders. Kiener emphasized the regularity of such incidents, cautioning that water poses inherent risks and necessitates vigilance.
To mitigate risks, RCMP urged the public to always wear properly fitting life jackets, possess adequate swimming skills, and avoid swimming alone to enhance safety around water bodies.