Authorities have successfully retrieved the body of a 13-year-old female from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a three-day search operation at the popular Fraser Valley swimming destination. The RCMP’s underwater recovery team discovered the teenager around 20 meters below the water’s surface at approximately 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
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 on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fallen into the water. Kiener expressed deep sorrow for the tragic incident, emphasizing that such occurrences are unforeseen by visitors to the lake.
Following a report of a potential drowning on Saturday afternoon, law enforcement initiated a search for the missing teenager. Search teams concentrated their efforts in the Entrance Bay vicinity, urging boaters and the public to avoid the area due to poor visibility caused by heavy silt at the lake bottom. The case has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service for further investigation.
In light of the recent rise in accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer, with a reported 54% increase compared to the previous year, Chilliwack RCMP are cautioning the public to exercise extra vigilance around water bodies. Near-drowning incidents are not uncommon at Cultus Lake, as highlighted by Kiener, who mentioned a separate incident involving a man in distress while paddleboarding without a life jacket shortly after the recovery of the 13-year-old girl.
Kiener recounted another recent incident at the lake where bystanders had to rescue a man from drowning, underscoring the importance of understanding the risks posed by water activities. Authorities are advising individuals to always wear a properly fitted life jacket, possess adequate swimming skills, and avoid swimming alone to prevent such tragedies.
