Chilliwack RCMP successfully retrieved the body of a 13-year-old girl from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a three-day search in the popular Fraser Valley swimming area. The authorities’ underwater recovery team located the teenager at approximately 2 p.m. PT on Monday, submerged about 20 meters below the water’s surface.
The young girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, is suspected to have experienced a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fallen into the water, according to Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, who expressed deep condolences for the tragic loss.
Following an early Saturday afternoon report of a potential drowning incident, law enforcement initiated a search for the missing teen. Search operations were concentrated in the Entrance Bay region, urging boaters and the public to steer clear due to poor visibility caused by heavy silt at the lake bottom. The investigation has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service.
In light of the recent surge in accidental drownings in British Columbia, registering a 54% uptick compared to the previous year, the Chilliwack RCMP is cautioning the public to exercise heightened vigilance around water bodies. Kiener highlighted the prevalence of near-drowning incidents at Cultus Lake, recounting a recent rescue involving a man in distress while paddleboarding without a life jacket, emphasizing the importance of water safety practices such as wearing a properly fitted life jacket, possessing adequate swimming skills, and refraining from solo swimming.