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RCMP recover body of international student who drowned while swimming at White Lake

Police say group attempted to rescue 27-year-old man but was unsuccessful
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The body of a 27-year-old man was recovered from White Lake on July 29, after he went missing while swimming the day prior. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

The body of a 27-year-old man was recovered from White Lake after he disappeared in the water while swimming.

Staff Sgt. Scott West said the swimmer was an international student studying in Canada.

On Wednesday, July 28, the student had attempted to swim to a floating dock/raft in White Lake, and appeared to panic. The group the swimmer was with were non-swimmers, said West. They attempted to throw the student something that would help him float. The rescue attempt was unsuccessful and the swimmer went under the water and did not resurface.

Shuswap Search and Rescue and White Lake firefighters searched the area but did not locate the missing man.

An RCMP “E” Division Underwater Recovery Team was at the scene on the morning of July 29 and recovered the man’s body.

The man’s family and learning institution are aware of the tragic incident, said West.

The witnesses are being supported by grief counselors at the learning institution they attend, while the family of the victim is being supported by their Consulate.

The incident is now being handled by the BC Coroners Service.

Editor’s note: A previous story included a witness report that the swimmer had jumped from the dock. This information was incorrect, and we apologize for any concern or upset caused.

Read more: RCMP confirm drowning at White Lake north of Salmon Arm


@roman_reports
zachary.roman@saobserver.net

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