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
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.