Brooks man drowns at Waterton Lakes National Park

A 37-year-old man from Brooks has died following a drowning incident on the upper portion of Waterton Lakes.

Indications from the scene are the man was swimming with family Tuesday afternoon when he ran into trouble.

“Police attended and found multiple people performing CPR on an unconscious male,” says Sgt. Ryan Hodge of the Pincher Creek RCMP.

“Unfortunately, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Hodge says one of those to perform CPR was a medical doctor. Police and EMS from Pincher Creek were called out just after 4 p.m.

“From what we can tell, the person wasn’t a strong swimmer and they got into water they weren’t comfortable in. Whether it was a panic situation, we’re not sure,” he adds.

The lake, though, is known for strong undercurrents.

As temperatures climb to the upper 30s this week, many will head to nearby rivers and lakes to stay cool. RCMP recommends we practise water safety whether swimming or boating.

“Respect the water. If you’re not a strong swimmer stay in a depth of water you’re comfortable in … that you can stand up in,” suggests Hodge.

“It is also a cold lake so it can steal a lot of strength from you.”