A nine-year-old child was taken to hospital in critical condition after being pulled from the river at W.J. Tuey Regional Park in Enderby.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP say officers were called to the park on Waterwheel Street around 2:45 pm on Monday, Aug. 3.
Police say a family visiting from Calgary was spending the afternoon at the river when relatives briefly lost sight of the child.
The child was presumed to be underwater and had failed to surface.
As authorities were contacted, numerous bystanders began searching the water.
RCMP say one bystander dove underwater and found the child submerged and pinned against fallen deadwood by the current.
The child was brought to shore, where bystanders, including a doctor and nurses, began CPR.
They continued CPR until BC Emergency Health Services arrived.
Police say the child was transported to hospital in critical condition.
It is not known how long the child was underwater, but police say it is believed to have been approximately five to 10 minutes.
“This tragic incident highlights the dangers surrounding all bodies of water,” said Cpl. Tania Finn of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.
“Ensure personal flotation devices and extra care are used, especially around moving water, as there is an increased risk associated with downed branches and other obstacles.”
The family is being supported by RCMP Victim Services.
Police say no criminality is suspected and no further details will be released.
