RCMP said the body of a 20-year-old man has been recovered from a lake in southern Alberta after a suspected drowning.
Just before 5 p.m. Monday, Coaldale RCMP, along with the Coaldale and Coalhurst fire departments and the Lethbridge Fire Water Rescue Team, responded to reports of a missing man who was presumed to have drowned in Stafford Lake.
RCMP said a drone was used to help narrow down the search location in the south part of the lake and officials were able to locate the deceased body and bring it back to shore just after 9 p.m.
The Calgary Medical Examiner’s office has been notified of the death and will take the lead on the investigation, RCMP said. The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and community members during this sad and difficult time,” Staff Sgt. Glenn Henry said in a news release Tuesday.
“I would like to thank the first responders for their quick professional response and the community members who assisted as they could.”
Following the incident, police are reminding residents to be cautious when using the province’s waterways, including using life jackets and personal flotation devices.
officials say it’s a solemn reminder to practice water safety measures at all times around lakes and rivers.
“It can happen anywhere at any time,” Henry said. “And if we don’t take those safety measures, tragedies like this will happen. We want people to be able to enjoy our recreational facilities, but do so responsibly.”
St. Mary River Irrigation District officials released a statement to Global News on the incident that reads, in part:
The St. Mary River Irrigation District said it was “very saddened about the drowning death.”
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends and community members that this has impacted,” the district said.
“The SMRID would like to reinforce we encourage the use of our reservoirs for recreational use of all kinds. We do however strongly advise to enjoy the reservoirs in a safe manner which includes wearing life jackets and swimming with proper supervision.”
The district also reminded that irrigation canals are clearly marked as private property and that no swimming is allowed in them.
“The canals can be very dangerous due to rapid water flows and drop structures.”
Stafford Lake is located about 32 kilometers east of Lethbridge
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