Community member drowns at Coles Bay

Sidney North Saanich

2023-09-20 10:40 PDT

File # 2023-4925

On the evening of September 18, 2023 at approximately 5:40pm RCMP Officers from the Sidney North Saanich RCMP responded to the Pauquachin boat ramp at Coles Bay after they received a report of a man in his 40’s who was struggling to swim. Emergency services rushed to the scene where two RCMP officers entered the water and swam to the man in an attempt to rescue him. With the assistance of several brave bystanders, police officers retrieved the man from the water where he was transferred to ambulance and firefighters who began first aid. Sadly, the man was unable to be resuscitated and died at the scene.

Police believe that the man was trying to retrieve his boat which drifted from the boat launch. It was reported that the man swam to the drifting boat but due to water temperatures he began to struggle. We are deeply saddened by the outcome of this event and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and the community. This incident should stand as a reminder to the public that even the strongest swimmer is at risk without proper flotation equipment in cold water. said Corporal Andres Sanchez of the Sidney North Saanich RCMP.

Police have transferred the investigation over to the BC Coroners Service. The Sidney North Saanich RCMP would like to extend our thanks to the brave civilians and first responders for their response to this event.

Released by:

Email: andres.sanchez@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: sidney.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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