Warning for swimmers after drowning death at Cultus Lake

Safety officials are sounding the alarm after several drownings throughout the province over the last month.

Swimmers are being urged to exercise caution after another drowning, this time at Cultus Lake.

Chilliwack RCMP said a 22-year-old Burnaby man drowned while visiting the lake with friends on Thursday.

First responders attempted life-saving measures but were unable to revive him.

Over the last few weeks, several drownings have occurred across B.C. – in Kamloops, Christina Lake, Jericho Beach and other areas.

The Life Saving Society - British Columbia and Yukon has recorded 32 deaths thus far in 2025, with males accounting for 77 per cent of victims.

Kimiko Hirakida, the society’s director of programs and services, said everyone in the water should be cautious. Drownings are “always an accident and it’s always preventable,” Hirakida said.

As many families head to the ocean or lakes for the long weekend, Hirakida urged parents to vigilantly watch their children in the water – noting that drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five.

“It’s not just, you know, looking at the water, and then looking at my phone, or taking a picture,” said Hirakida. “Supervision is undistracted.”

Hirakida suggested getting to know the terrain when swimming, ensuring you’re aware of areas that may be deep – and also wearing bright colours, such as yellow and orange, and always wearing a life jacket when on a boat.

Dr. Brandon Yao with Vancouver Coastal Health said anyone thinking of letting loose over the long weekend should stay away from the water, as drugs and alcohol are involved in 40 per cent of all drowning deaths in the province.