A Banff resident, aged 29, tragically drowned in Johnson Lake at Banff National Park on Sunday evening, as confirmed by authorities. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported the recovery of the individual around 7 p.m., emphasizing that the incident is not deemed suspicious, according to RCMP representative Cpl. Gina Slaney.
Parks Canada’s Banff field unit’s strategic communications advisor, Victoria Hawley, mentioned that rescue teams were dispatched in response to a distressed swimmer. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the swimmer had already passed away.
Expressing condolences, Parks Canada conveyed sympathy to the deceased’s family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging period. Emergency responders, including paramedics, Banff RCMP, Banff Fire Department, and Alpine Helicopters, were present at the scene of the incident.
Johnson Lake, situated approximately 10 kilometers from Banff townsite near Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake, is a popular destination within the national park. This recent drowning marks the third confirmed incident in the Bow Valley this year. Canmore authorities are also looking into the death of a 52-year-old Canmore resident discovered in the Bow River on the same Sunday morning.
Prior to this event, there were two other drowning incidents reported in the region, one at Canmore’s Quarry Lake on August 1 and another at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park on May 1.
