Body of 13-year-old girl recovered from B.C.’s Cultus Lake: RCMP

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RCMP have recovered the body of a 13-year-old girl from B.C.’s Cultus Lake, following a three-day search of the popular Fraser Valley swimming spot.

Police say their underwater recovery team found the teen at around 2 p.m. PT on Monday, about 20 metres below the surface of the water.

The young girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, is believed to have suffered a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and fallen off, according to Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener.

“This is an absolute tragedy. No one comes to the lake thinking that this will happen to them. And we are deeply sorry for the loss of the youth,” said Kiener.

Police launched a search for the teen after receiving a report of a possible drowning early Saturday afternoon.

Search teams responded to the area and focused in on the Entrance Bay area where boaters and the public were asked to stay away because heavy silt on the lake bottom could make visibility challenging.

The investigation has now been turned over to the B.C. Coroners Service.

A structure has a sign discussing how kids don't float. That structure usually has life jackets inside. In the distance is the lake with some paddle boats. — Two stations around Cultus Lake provide free life jackets for youth to use, located at Sunnyside Campsite and the Cultus Lake Marina. (Baneet Braich/CBC)

Chilliwack RCMP are reminding the public to take extra precautions around the water.

Accidental drownings in B.C. have seen a sharp rise this summer, with the province reporting a 54 per cent increase over last year, so far.

Near drownings common at Cultus Lake

Kiener said they hear about near drownings regularly, too.

She said about an hour after the 13-year-old girl was recovered, a man also paddleboarding at Cultus Lake without a life jacket fell off and was in distress.

When two people came to help, one of them also fell in the water and needed assistance, Kiener said. RCMP were in the area and retrieved both people.

In another incident at the lake earlier this month, Kiener said a man began to drown and had to be taken to the hospital for medical assistance after bystanders saved him.

“So it is a very common thing that is happening almost weekly,” she said. “Water is unforgiving and you need to know the risks.”

RCMP advised people to always wear a properly fitted life jacket, have the necessary swimming skills, and never swim alone.