Loon Lake RCMP/La Ronge RCMP/Maidstone RCMP - Strong currents in Saskatchewan waters responsible for the disappearance of 2 children and a young man in the last 2 weeks

July 8, 2020
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

News release

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RCMP crest

Strong currents in Saskatchewan lakes and rivers are responsible for the disappearance of two children and a young man in the last two weeks.

Waters can look calm and be dangerous at the same time. Be aware of the currents when swimming this summer in lakes and rivers.

Ask knowledgeable local residents for the location and strength of currents and avoid these areas.

For safety tips on open water swimming, including what to do when caught in a current, consult the Canadian Red Cross at https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/swimming-and-water-safety-tips-and-resources/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips/open-water.

Saskatchewan RCMP would like to thank the many volunteers and professionals who helped with the searches of the three young persons these past two weeks.

Loon Lake RCMP - Suspected drowning in Makwa Lake, near Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, SK

On June 23, at approximately 7 p.m., Loon Lake RCMP responded to the report of the disappearance of a 6-year-old boy playing on a sandbar of the southeast end of Makwa Lake, near Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, SK. The 6-year-old boy was pulled from the sandbar by strong currents and swept away.

A search for the 6-year-old boy was organized with the help of several local residents and organizations on the ground, from the air and on the lake. Loon Lake RCMP was assisted by Meadow Lake RCMP, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Conservation officers, Loon Lake Fire Department, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, Saskatchewan RCMP Search and Rescue, North Battleford RCMP Police Dog Services, Pierceland RCMP, Prince Albert Grand Council Emergency Services, Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART), Grandmother's Bay Recovery Team, Lloydminster Rescue Squad, Canadian Search and Disaster Dogs Association (CASDDA), Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, along with a dozen RCMP members from across the Province and numerous residents, family members and friends.

The body of the 6-year-old boy has not been recovered. The search continues.

La Ronge RCMP - Drowning in Sucker River, near Sucker River, SK

On July 3, 2020, at approximately 3:00 p.m., La Ronge RCMP responded to the report of the disappearance of 6-year-old boy swimming in the Sucker River, near the community of Sucker River, SK. Strong currents where the river enters the mouth of Lac La Ronge pulled the boy away from his group.

La Ronge EMS, La Ronge Fire Department, Sucker River Fire Department, Canadian Rangers, Grandmother's Bay Recovery Team, Lac La Ronge Indian Band and several community members were on scene to assist La Ronge RCMP with the search for the 6-year-old boy.

At 7:15 p.m., the body of the 6-year-old boy was located by the underwater ROV of the Grandmother's Bay Recovery Team. Next-of-kin notifications have been completed and Victim Services met with the family.

Maidstone RCMP - Drowning in Battle River, south of Waseca, SK

On July 4, 2020, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Maidstone RCMP responded to the report of the disappearance of an 18-year-old man who was tubing with friends down the Battle River, south of the community of Waseca, SK. A thunderstorm rolled into the area and the group of friends lost track of the 18-year-old man near the shore of the river.

Maidstone RCMP, Maidstone Fire Department, Lloydminster Search and Rescue, Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, Cut Knife RCMP and Turtleford RCMP were on scene to search for the 18-year-old man. Civilian volunteers launched boats and a local resident flew over the river with a plane. Rescue efforts continued all night. At dawn, Saskatchewan RCMP Search and Rescue, Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV), Wilton Police Service along with hundreds of local residents on foot, quads, horses, side by sides, boats, canoes and kayaks joined the search.

At 8:30 p.m., the body of the deceased man was located down stream by the Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team. Next-of-kin notifications have been completed and Victim Services met with the family.

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