Three water emergencies in the Sea-to-Sky corridor over four days — including two people who have not been found — are prompting the RCMP to urge residents and visitors to take water safety seriously as summer recreation season gets underway.
Since May 27, the Sea to Sky RCMP has responded to three separate incidents involving water-related danger, two of which remain unresolved.
On May 30, Squamish RCMP responded to a report of a man in distress in the Squamish River who was at risk of being swept away by a fast-moving current. His kayak had overturned, and he was carried downstream, where he clung to a log. An RCMP officer removed his own heavy gear, put on a personal flotation device and entered the water to pull the man to a point where other responders on shore could complete the rescue. Both the officer and the rescued man were taken to hospital and have since been released.
Later that same afternoon, at approximately 3 p.m., Squamish RCMP received a report of two people who had fallen off a paddleboard at Browning Lake in Murrin Park and did not resurface. Officers attended with partnering agencies and searched for the individuals without success. That search is ongoing.
The first incident occurred three days earlier, on May 27, when Whistler RCMP received a report just after noon of an unoccupied paddleboard and paddle floating in Alta Lake. Later that afternoon, a separate report came in of a person who had gone paddleboarding from Lakeside Park and had not returned. A search involving multiple partner agencies was launched, but as of publication, that person has not been found.
“Strong currents, cold water, changing weather conditions and recreating alone are only a few things that can quickly turn a day of enjoyment into an emergency,” said Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, media relations officer with Sea to Sky RCMP. “We do not want these enjoyable days to end in tragedy.”
The RCMP is recommending several precautions for anyone heading to the water. Anyone using paddleboards, canoes, kayaks or other human-powered watercraft should always wear a personal flotation device, since those vessels can quickly drift out of reach if someone falls in unexpectedly. Weak or non-swimmers should wear a PFD any time they are in or near the water. People should never swim alone, should stay near designated swimming areas and should always let someone know when they expect to return.
The detachment is also advising people to avoid alcohol and drugs before or during water activity, keep close watch on children and ensure they are wearing a PFD even in shallow water. Checking the forecast before heading out and preparing for rapidly changing mountain weather conditions is also recommended.
