A man who went missing in the water at Cultus Lake Thursday afternoon has died, according to first responders. The RCMP’s Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment said the man was using an inflatable boat near the Entrance Bay area when he went missing around 1 p.m., prompting a search of the lake. He was found in the water approximately 90 minutes later. Authorities said CPR was administered, but the man did not survive. “This is a tragic incident that no one intends to happen when they spend a day enjoying the water.” said Cpl. Carmen Kiener, in a statement. “Our condolences go out to the man’s family and friends during this difficult time.” The investigation into the man’s death will be carried out by the B.C. Coroners Service, the RCMP said. Earlier this month, a 13-year-old girl died after suffering a medical emergency while paddleboarding on the lake. Coroners have urged swimmers to be careful when heading out on the water following a surge in accidental drowning deaths in the province this year. There were 40 such deaths recorded between May 1 and July 16, compared to 26 during the same period in 2025. “We have seen an unfortunate upwards trend this summer when it comes to accidental drowning deaths,” said chief coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, in a statement last month. “It is our hope that people will take a serious look at the data we are sharing and make smart choices when planning any water-related activity in the coming months.” July and August typically have more drowning deaths than any other time of year in B.C., according to coroners.
