A man in his 40s drowned in Coles Bay in North Saanich on Monday evening, after being spotted struggling to swim near the Pauquachin First Nation boat ramp.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP Cpl. Andres Sanchez said it’s believed the man saw that his boat had started drifting and decided to swim out to it.
“He didn’t have a flotation device, and just due to the temperature of the water he started struggling,” he said. “That’s when he found himself unable to stay afloat.”
Sanchez said police received the report about 5:40 p.m. Monday, and police, ambulance and fire crews responded.
Two police officers swam to the man to try and rescue him with the assistance of several bystanders, Sanchez said.
The officers got the man to shore to waiting paramedics and firefighters “but unfortunately he was unable to be resuscitated,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened by the outcome of this event and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and community.”
The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating.
