Paddleboarder drowns in Mission-area lake Thursday evening

MISSION — A Mission man has died after falling off his paddleboard in Hayward Lake Thursday evening (July 9) – bringing the total of confirmed drowning deaths to 30 across B.C., according to The Lifesaving Society.

At around 6 p.m., police, paramedics and firefighters attended to the lake and tried to resuscitate the paddleboarder before he was pronounced dead on scene.

The 58-year-old was in the dog beach area when he was believed to have lost his balance.

“He was not wearing a personal floatation device, and reportedly had limited swimming abilities,” said Mission RCMP. “The man’s wife, who had remained on shore, began yelling for help.”

A passerby rushed over and used the man’s paddleboard to search the area, eventually spotting him underwater. The victim was then brought back to shore, where the passerby started doing CPR.

Lifeguards stationed on the main swimming beach, nearly half a kilometre away, continued the task until first responders arrived.

The Lifesaving Society added that the incident took place in waters outside the supervised area, after its lifeguards had gone off duty and were preparing to leave for the evening.

“Mission RCMP send their heartfelt condolences to the man’s family and friends. Anyone venturing out onto the water this summer is encouraged to consider wearing a life jacket, regardless of swimming ability.”

Police urge residents to use a personal flotation device when venturing into the water, as unexpected factors such as head injury, cold-water shock or watercraft collisions can impair a person’s ability to stay above water.

Drowning deaths are up by half in the year-to-date, from 20 in 2025.