A swimmer is missing and presumed drowned after an incident in West Vancouver, July 25.
Numerous agencies, including the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, were called to the area off Dundarave Beach just before 5 p.m. Monday, July 25, after a report came in of a missing swimmer, according to West Vancouver police.
The 85-year-old man, who was visiting from Ontario, was seen offshore, calling for help before disappearing.
Despite the efforts of rescuers and a dive team, there has been no sign of the man since.
“We all hoped for a better outcome and share in the grief the affected family is going through,” said Sgt. Mark McLean. “The victim is presumed to have drowned and the WVPD are providing support to his family and friends.”
There was no update about the incident from police this week and no word about whether the man's body has been recovered.
On the day of the incident, there was no lifeguard on duty at the beach due to the rainy weather conditions, according to the District of West Vancouver. Lifeguard service is a seasonal service offered from the end of June to Labour Day Monday, weather permitting, according to the municipality and lifeguards are not on duty during adverse weather such as rain or storms.
Municipal spokesperson Carrie Gadsby said there are signs at the beach, indicating that swimming is at one's own risk. "These signs are meant to serve as reminders that despite our best efforts to maintain safety protocols, the ocean can be unpredictable, and everyone should exercise caution while enjoying its waters," she said.
"This is a very sad incident, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim, and we extend our deepest sympathies for their profound loss," she said.
