Chilliwack RCMP has successfully retrieved the body of a 13-year-old girl from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a three-day search operation at the popular Fraser Valley swimming destination. The authorities disclosed that the underwater recovery team located the teenager approximately 20 meters below the water’s surface around 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
The tragic incident unfolded when the young girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, encountered a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fell into the water. Cpl. Carmen Kiener of Chilliwack RCMP expressed deep sorrow for the loss, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the event.
Following an early Saturday afternoon report of a potential drowning, law enforcement initiated a search effort for the missing girl. Search teams concentrated their efforts in the Entrance Bay area, where visibility was hindered by heavy silt on the lake bed, prompting a request for boaters and the public to avoid the vicinity.
Responsibility for the investigation has been transferred to the B.C. Coroners Service. Chilliwack RCMP issued a public reminder to exercise extra caution around water bodies, particularly in light of a notable surge in accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer, registering a 54% increase compared to the previous year.
Kiener highlighted the prevalence of near-drowning incidents at Cultus Lake, recounting a recent occurrence where a man paddleboarding without a life jacket experienced distress, necessitating RCMP intervention. The law enforcement officer underscored the critical importance of wearing a properly fitted life jacket, possessing adequate swimming skills, and avoiding solitary swimming sessions to mitigate risks associated with water-related activities.