Swimmer 'swept away' by fast-moving water of B.C. river prompts warning from rescue crews during heat wave
A person's tragic death while they were swimming in a Lower Mainland river has prompted a warning from local search and rescue teams as temperatures are expected to soar in the region.
Coquitlam Search and Rescue shared the story on social media Wednesday, saying a person was "swept away in fast moving water while swimming at Widgeon Falls," near Pitt Lake.
Crews say it took hours to search for the subject, but their body was eventually recovered.
"Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased," Coquitlam Search and Rescue's post says.
"This is a sobering reminder to always use caution around fast moving water. Rising temperatures can increase snowmelt from the mountains above which can cause water levels to fluctuate throughout the day."
The team's cautioning comes as nearly all of B.C. is under a heat warning. Environment Canada says an "exceptionally strong" ridge of high pressure could leave parts of the province dangerously hot from Friday until Tuesday.
"The duration of this heat wave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures," the warning, which was issued Wednesday afternoon, says.
"This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses."
Warnings have been issued in most regions of the province, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Environment Canada said temperatures could reach as high as 38 degrees during the day in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope – and stay as high as 20 degrees overnight.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Andrew Weichel
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.