Another drowning at Cultus Lake amid busy month for paramedics

A dock is seen on Cultus Lake on Aug. 29, 2025.

A man drowned in Cultus Lake near Chilliwack Saturday evening, marking the second fatality at the popular swimming spot in a matter of days.

Police confirmed the victim was a 36-year-old from Richmond, who was camping in the area with his friends.

Paramedics say August was a busy and challenging month for incidents on the water.

B.C. Emergency Health Service got the call at 7:15 p.m. “An ambulance with primary care paramedics and an air ambulance helicopter with critical care paramedics were dispatched while bystanders provided initial emergency first aid,” reads a statement from the agency.

BCEHS, which does not confirm fatalities, said paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to one person, but no patients were ultimately taken to hospital.

BCEHS spokesperson Bowen Osoko told CTV News paramedics have responded to more than 40 incidents involving water in August alone, including drownings and near-drownings. He said intoxication was a factor in several of the calls.

On Aug. 28, a 22-year-old man from Burnaby drowned in Cultus Lake. There have been a number of other water deaths across the province in recent weeks.

Ahead of Labour Day, Osoko urged British Columbians to stay safe around water.

He said drownings are “nothing like on TV – it’s often quiet,” so it’s important to pay attention. He urged parents to stay close to their children, and reminded that drugs, alcohol and water are a dangerous mix.