VIEW ROYAL, B.C. – A tragic drowning incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Upper Thetis Lake in the View Royal area, leaving the community shaken and once again raising concerns over water safety in one of Greater Victoria’s most popular recreation spots.

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

According to witnesses, a loud commotion was heard around 3:00 p.m. near the upper section of the lake, where several people noticed signs of an individual struggling in the water. Emergency services were immediately alerted, prompting a large-scale response from View Royal Fire Rescue, West Shore RCMP, and Langford Fire Rescue.

Rescue crews quickly mobilized, deploying a search-and-rescue boat around 4:00 p.m. to scour the area where the distress call originated. Firefighters, paramedics, and RCMP officers coordinated recovery operations both on the water and along the shoreline. Despite their combined efforts and the swift response, the man was located and pulled from the water unresponsive. Sadly, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Victim Not Yet Identified

At this time, the BC Coroners Service has not released the man’s identity, age, or other personal details, pending formal investigation and next-of-kin notification. Officials are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances of the drowning, including whether contributing factors such as sudden health complications, unsafe swimming conditions, or lack of flotation devices played a role.

Community Shock and Ongoing Safety Concerns

The drowning has renewed grief and concern in the Greater Victoria community, particularly as it echoes past tragedies at Thetis Lake. In September 2023, an international student drowned only a few meters from shore, sparking widespread discussion about the need for improved safety protocols at the lake.

Thetis Lake Regional Park, which sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, remains a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. However, its lack of permanent lifeguard supervision has drawn criticism, especially during peak summer and early fall months when visitor numbers are high.

Local advocates and residents have repeatedly called for:

• Mandatory use of life jackets or flotation aids for weak or inexperienced swimmers.

• Clearly designated swim areas with lifeguards present during busy times.

• Greater public education efforts on the risks posed by natural bodies of water, including sudden drop-offs, strong undercurrents, and temperature changes.

A Sobering Reminder

This latest incident underscores how quickly a fun day at the lake can turn into tragedy. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in danger due to unexpected circumstances, making water safety precautions essential. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of never swimming alone, wearing proper flotation devices, and paying close attention to changing water conditions.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of another life at Thetis Lake. The incident serves as both a painful reminder of life’s fragility and a renewed call to action for improved water safety measures in the region.