B.C.’s latest water-related death: man drowns in Cultus Lake

Family and friends of B.C.’s latest drowning victim shared hugs and tears by the waters of Cultus lake where a man was pulled unresponsive from the cold waters Monday night.

Friends of the man, whose name has not been released, lost sight of him close to the waterline at the beach near the Entrance Bay campsite.

A search was conducted by the Chilliwack RCMP and Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS). A dog handler dived into the lake and a short time later discovered the deceased.

“This is a very tragic incident,” said Cst. Tracy Wolbeck of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional District.

Investigators believe the drowning is alcohol related, and are reminding everyone about the dangers of drinking alcohol and swimming.

“Although there will be no criminal investigation regarding this incident, police believe alcohol to be a strong contributing factor in this drowning,” said Cst. Wolbeck.

His death is the latest in a series of water related deaths this summer.

Over the weekend, a Surrey man vacationing with his wife in the Interior went into Paul Lake near Kamloops to cool off when he became unable to swim.

His wife yelled for help, and the 84-year-old man was airlifted to Royal Inland Hospital where he later died.

On June 27, a woman drowned after falling into a fast moving creek in Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Ridge Meadows RCMP say the 23-year-old Surrey woman slipped off rocks and plunged below into the rushing water.

On Sunday evening, a dramatic rescue played out in the waters near Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver after a boat with six people aboard capsized.

According to recent stats, there were 61 water related fatalities in 2012, and in 2013 that number climbed to 74.

Next week marks the start of National Drowning Prevention Week in the hopes of educating people on water safety to prevent a drowning.