A child is in critical condition following a drowning incident in Enderby on Monday, Aug. 3.
Police responded to a report of a missing nine-year-old child at W.J. Tuey Regional Park on Waterwheel Street at about 2:45 p.m.
RCMP said the family, visiting from Calgary, was spending the afternoon at the river. When family members briefly lost sight of the child, they believed the child had gone underwater and failed to resurface.
Numerous bystanders began searching the water for the child. Police said one bystander dove underwater and found the child submerged and pinned against fallen deadwood by the current.
The child was brought to shore and bystanders, including a doctor and nurses, began CPR until paramedics arrived.
“This tragic incident highlights the dangers surrounding all bodies of water,” said Cpl. Tania Finn of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. “Ensure personal flotation devices and extra care are used, especially around moving water, as there is an increased risk associated with downed branches and other obstacles.”
B.C. Emergency Health Services transported the child to hospital in critical condition. Police said it is unknown how long the child was underwater. However, investigators believe it may have been approximately five to 10 minutes.
“The family is being supported by RCMP Victim Services during this very difficult time,” the RCMP said.
Police said no criminality is suspected and no further details will be released.
