Teen's body recovered from Cultus Lake after three-day search

A 13-year-old girl who went missing Saturday on Cultus Lake was found dead by an RCMP underwater recovery team on Monday, roughly 20 metres beneath the surface. Police believe she experienced a medical issue while paddle-boarding and fell into the lake without a life jacket. The search, which began after a possible drowning report, focused on the Entrance Bay area where silt reduces visibility.

The case has been handed to the B.C. Coroners Service, and officers highlighted a sharp rise in accidental drownings this summer. RCMP noted multiple recent rescue incidents at the lake, including a man who fell off his board and a separate rescue earlier in the month. Authorities continue to advise swimmers to wear properly fitted life jackets, possess adequate swimming skills, and avoid solitary water activities.