The body of a swimmer who went missing Tuesday night at Buntzen Lake has been recovered.
The Coquitlam RCMP confirmed Thursday morning that the 19-year-old Surrey man was located Wednesday night about 100 m from the shore at a depth of approximately 40 m. An autopsy will be conducted by the BC Coroners Service but police said there are no signs of foul play and they do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor.
"Coquitlam RCMP and our Victim Services are doing their best to support the family," said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin in a press release. "As you can imagine, the family is very upset."
Mounties and Coquitlam Search and Rescue were called out to the scene Tuesday night, after friends of the victim reported him missing. The friends said they had lost sight of the man, who they noted was not a strong swimmer and had ventured some distance from the shore.
McLaughlin told reporters Wednesday that the victim was relying on a novelty floaty rather than a certified personal floatation device to keep him afloat.
"Unfortunately, this is one of those reminders that if you need to stay afloat, a personal floatation device [PFD] is the best way and safest way to do that," he said.
Buntzen Lake was closed for most of the day on Wednesday as the RCMP dive team and search and rescue tried to locate the body.
Coquitlam SAR vice-president Tom Zajac said these kinds of incidents are an important reminder to be safe around the water.
He added that the lakes, rivers and oceans can be "unforgiving" and people need to evaluate the risks before getting in for a swim.
"Every year, many young and active lives are cut short by preventable drownings," he said in an email. "Coquitlam SAR encourages everyone to wear [personal floatations devices]."
While no drugs or alcohol are believed to be involved Tuesday night's incident, Zajac said it was important that people abstain from consuming these items around the water.
July 15 to 21 is National Drowning Prevention Week and tips for water safety can be found at www.lifesaving.bc.ca.
