As the summer season continues, water-related incidents remain a significant concern at Cultus Lake. The recent drowning of a 13-year-old youth at Entrance Bay serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety.

The Chilliwack  RCMP Seasonal Policing Team continues to respond to calls involving swimmers, paddlers, and other water users in distress, often due to changing environmental conditions or a lack of proper safety equipment. Proactive enforcement and education efforts will continue throughout the season to help ensure visitors understand safety requirements, make informed decisions, and enjoy the water safely.

The public is reminded that while Cultus Lake is a popular destination for recreation, it presents several unique hazards. Steep underwater drop-offs can quickly place swimmers in water over their heads, cold water temperatures can lead to fatigue and reduced swimming ability, and strong winds can develop rapidly, pushing swimmers and paddlers away from shore. In some areas, heavy silt and reduced underwater visibility can make it difficult to locate objects or individuals beneath the surface.

Visitors are urged to come prepared, assess conditions before entering the water, wear a properly fitted life jacket, and ensure they have the appropriate safety equipment for their activity.

Overcrowded boat enforcement

While conducting routine marine patrols, officers observed a 19-foot jet boat departing Jade Bay with 12 occupants on board, with some passengers sitting on the laps of others. A stop was conducted within 100 metres of shore.

The investigation revealed the operator did not possess the required boating licence or vessel documentation, and only two life jackets were onboard for the 12 occupants.

Violation tickets were issued for operating a pleasure craft without the required life jackets: $230, permitting a person to operate a pleasure craft without proof of competency: $288

Near-drowning incidents

Security personnel contacted police regarding reports of a possible drowning near a dock in the Sunnyside area. Officers responded and located a man on shore requiring medical assistance. The man reported he was unable to keep himself above water, panicked, and went under after becoming exhausted and unable to self-rescue. He was not wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, bystanders pulled him safely to shore before he was transported to hospital for treatment.

Approximately one hour after emergency responders recovered the 13-year-old youth from Cultus Lake, the Seasonal Policing Team received a report at Half-Moon Bay of a man who had fallen from his paddleboard and was unable to keep himself above water. The individual was not wearing a life jacket and did not have the required safety equipment. 

Two people in an inflatable kayak attempted to assist him. However, one of the rescuers also entered the water and began struggling to stay afloat as he was not wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, with the RCMP boat already on the water responding to the earlier incident, officers were able to quickly intervene and assist. All involved were brought safely to shore and did not require medical treatment.

Strong winds were present at the time and contributed to the dangerous conditions. These incidents highlight how quickly situations can escalate on Cultus Lake and reinforce the importance of wearing a life jacket, carrying the required safety equipment, and understanding the risks associated with being on the water.