On August 10 at 6:42 p.m., Elk Valley Regional RCMP received a report from BC Ambulance that they were attending to a possible drowning of a two-year-old boy in the public beach use area at Newgate Sandy Shores, located at 5412 Munro Road near Newgate along Lake Koocanusa.

BC Ambulance was still en route, along with an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Unit. Police arrived shortly after the first ambulance and paramedics were already continuing CPR on the young boy near the water’s edge.

“The child was part of a large generational family gathering at the beach that day, which included multiple children. The family group had been releasing some small fish the children had caught during the day when the boy was observed to be gone from the group, but then was quickly found in the water, unresponsive,” reported S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander.

“Family and other witnesses immediately proceeded to provide CPR. An AED had been provided by bystanders prior to ambulance arrival and was set up for use. The ALS unit arrived on scene and was able to provide specialized treatment resulting in a response from the child.”

The child was loaded into the ALS unit and was driven to a point where a STAR’s helicopter was met for transport to a Calgary hospital.

Police interviewed family members and other witnesses who assisted at the scene prior to departure.

“RCMP continue to investigate this matter and are following up with family as required, our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” S/Sgt. Nielsen said.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

Article Share