A 14-year-old boy is in "critical condition" from a possible drowning at Sasamat Lake today (July 22).
Police say the teenager is currently being treated in hospital after he was airlifted by paramedics from the outdoor recreation site north of Port Moody.
First responders were called to the incident around 4 p.m. on Saturday, according to PMPD spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias, including Port Moody Fire Rescue and B.C. Ambulance.
He explained the boy was unresponsive when he was pulled from the Belcarra lake.
Metro Vancouver parks staff and bystanders performed CPR until emergency services arrived, who later transported the teen to hospital by air ambulance.
"This was a very traumatic incident and there were hundreds of people on the beach when it occurred," Zacharias said in a statement, noting the beach was temporarily evacuated while paramedics tended to the boy.
Anyone with more information about the incident is asked to call PMPD at 604-461-3456 and quote file-number 2023-4311.
Beach-goers emotionally or mentally impacted by the event are encouraged to speak with the PMPD victim services unit at 604-937-1313.
The Tri-City News will update this story as more information becomes available.
Drowning prevention
Police also responded to the potential drowning on the final day of what's known as national drowning prevention week in Canada (July 16-22, 2023).
Each summer, local law enforcement stress water safety and encourage everyone to take every precaution necessary when out on the lake.
According to Lifesaving Society Canada, more than 450 fatally drown every year across the country.
The organization added that nearly 70 per cent of drowning deaths never originally intended to go in the water or were within 15 metres of safety.
Water safety tips include the following:
- Stay out of the water if you can not swim
- Seek the shade instead
- Children and non-swimmers should always be supervised around water
- Watch your speed
- Don’t race to the lake and don't race on the lake
- Speed is a major contributor to incidents on the roadways and on the water
- Do not put your feet in fast moving water that is deeper than the length of your arm
- If a foot becomes entrapped by rocky bottom in deep water, the current will eventually push the swimmer over into the water
- Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drowning, always be familiar of where you are swimming and the possibility of unknown/strong currents
- If you are going to a less-traveled area, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
You can also visit Coquitlam Search and Rescue's (SAR) website for tips on exploring the outdoors.
