RCMP recovered the body of a 13-year-old girl from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a three-day search at the popular Fraser Valley swimming destination. The police’s underwater recovery team located the teenager at approximately 2 p.m. PT on Monday, submerged about 20 meters below the water’s surface.
According to Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, 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 fallen off. Kiener expressed deep sorrow for the tragic loss, emphasizing the unexpected nature of such incidents.
Following a report of a potential drowning on Saturday, authorities initiated a search for the missing teen. Search operations were concentrated in the Entrance Bay area, cautioning boaters and the public to avoid the region due to the challenging visibility caused by heavy silt on the lake bed. The investigation has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service.
Chilliwack RCMP is urging the public to exercise added caution around water bodies. Notably, accidental drownings in British Columbia have surged by 54% compared to the previous year, prompting increased awareness and safety measures.
RCMP disclosed that near-drowning incidents are frequent occurrences at Cultus Lake. Kiener highlighted that shortly after recovering the 13-year-old girl, a man paddleboarding without a life jacket also encountered distress. Two individuals who attempted to assist him ended up requiring rescue themselves, emphasizing the unpredictable and hazardous nature of water activities.
In a separate incident earlier in the month, a man faced drowning at the lake but was saved by bystanders and required hospitalization. Kiener stressed the importance of understanding the risks associated with water activities, emphasizing the necessity of wearing a properly fitted life jacket, possessing swimming skills, and avoiding swimming alone.