Back-to-back drownings at Cultus Lake draw serious safety concerns
Two men have died in separate drowning incidents at Cultus Lake in the span of three days, according to Chilliwack RCMP.
The first incident happened on Aug. 28, around 12:43 pm at Entrance Bay, where a 22-year-old man from Burnaby drowned.
Just two days later, on Aug. 30 at 7:13 pm, a 36-year-old man from Richmond drowned at Sunnyside Campground.
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed it is investigating one of the deaths, though details remain limited as the cases are still open.
BC Emergency Health Services said paramedics were dispatched to the Aug. 30 call, along with an air ambulance helicopter. Bystanders performed first aid before paramedics arrived.
No patients were transported to the hospital.
RCMP confirmed that a third call on Aug. 31 was a medical incident and not water-related.
Sgt. Alexandra Mulvihill with the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP said police do not suspect foul play in either case.
“If you are not a strong swimmer, please wear a life jacket,” Mulvihill told Daily Hive in an email.
“It is not always possible to know how deep the water is, if there are sharp drop-offs, or how much debris may be on the bottom. Swim with others, during daylight hours, and do not consume alcohol before swimming.”
Cultus drownings prompt safety warnings
Kimiko Hirakida, director of programs and services for the Lifesaving Society of BC and Yukon, said the two tragedies at Cultus Lake highlight a troubling trend.
“We’re shocked, we’re saddened, and we’re disappointed,” Hirakida told Daily Hive. “Having two drownings in three days is profound and noticeable.”
She said that men between 18 and 49 make up about 80 per cent of drownings in B.C., often linked to higher-risk behaviours.
She also said new Canadians are four times more likely to drown than their Canadian-born neighbours, sometimes due to limited access to swimming lessons or water-safety education in their home countries.
According to the Lifesaving Society, 60 to 70 per cent of drownings in B.C. happen between May long weekend and Sept. 1.
This year alone, 34 drownings have been reported in B.C., six more than at the same time last year.
While the RCMP provide seasonal policing at Cultus Lake, signage and public safety measures are the responsibility of BC Parks and other governing bodies.
Hirakida said more could be done to improve safety, such as life-jacket loaner stations and public access life rings.
“All drownings are preventable,” she said. “We need to work together as communities to make our waters safer.”
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