West Shore RCMP has confirmed that a 19-year-old man drowned at Thetis Lake on Thursday evening.
Police received a call around 5:09 p.m. on September 4th after witnesses reported that the man went under while swimming in Upper Thetis Lake and did not come back up.
Several bystanders tried to help but could not find him.
Emergency crews, including BC Emergency Health Services, CRD Regional Parks staff, and View Royal Fire Rescue, arrived at the scene and took over the search.
See also: How to spot someone drowning this summer in Vancouver Island waters
View Royal Fire sent out their boat, and search efforts continued into the late evening before stopping due to darkness.
On September 5th, recovery operations started again with the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team and View Royal Fire returning to the lake.
West Shore RCMP offered condolences to the man’s family and friends, as well as to those who attempted to help.
A witness told Victoria Buzz that one man dove repeatedly for nearly half an hour trying to find the individual but was not successful.
💬 Join the conversation
No comments yet — be the first to start the conversation
