The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team has been called out to five drownings already in 2024, and if previous years are any indication, they expect to be called out to more.
The latest was Saturday when the body of a 31-year-old man was pulled from the north basin of Lake Winnipeg near Grand Rapids.
The man was one of three people who went out on a boat Friday to hunt for moose but did not return home.
Corporal Kathryn Ternier, Head of the RCMP Underwater Recovery team, says while her team also dives to assist other RCMP units in locating items underwater that are related to an investigation, it is the grim task of recovering drowning victims that keeps them busy.
She emphasizes that people should not be fearful of the water, but instead need to respect it.
That includes knowing the body of water you are swimming in, ensuring that you are wearing a lifejacket or PFD if you are unaware of the area you are swimming or boating, and avoiding obstacles such as dams or fast-moving water.
You are also encouraged to never swim alone, and to never swim while impaired.
