RCMP successfully retrieved the body of a 13-year-old girl from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a thorough three-day search of the popular swimming spot in the Fraser Valley. The underwater recovery team located the teenager approximately 20 meters below the water’s surface around 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
According to Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, the tragic incident occurred when the young girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, experienced a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fell into the water. Kiener expressed heartfelt condolences for the loss of the youth, emphasizing the unexpected nature of such tragedies at the lake.
Following a report of a potential drowning on Saturday afternoon, authorities initiated a search operation concentrating on the Entrance Bay area. Due to challenging visibility caused by heavy silt on the lake bed, boaters and the public were instructed to avoid the area. The investigation has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service for further examination.
Chilliwack RCMP is urging the public to exercise additional caution around water bodies. This caution comes as British Columbia has observed a notable increase of 54% in accidental drownings compared to last year, particularly during the current summer season.
Notably, near-drowning incidents are frequently reported at Cultus Lake, with Kiener highlighting the recent rescue of a distressed man who fell off a paddleboard without a life jacket shortly after the recovery of the 13-year-old girl. Kiener emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with water activities, underscoring the necessity of wearing properly fitted life jackets, possessing adequate swimming skills, and avoiding solitary swimming sessions.