A Banff man, aged 29, tragically drowned at Johnson Lake in Banff National Park on Sunday evening, as confirmed by authorities. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the man’s body was recovered around 7 p.m., and no foul play is suspected, according to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Gina Slaney. In response to a distress call about a struggling swimmer, rescue specialists from Parks Canada’s Banff field unit were dispatched. Regrettably, upon their arrival, the individual had already passed away.
Victoria Hawley, a strategic communications advisor with Parks Canada’s Banff field unit, expressed condolences 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. 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 incident marks the third confirmed drowning in the Bow Valley this year. Concurrently, Canmore authorities are investigating the death of a 52-year-old Canmore man discovered in the Bow River on Sunday morning. Additional drowning incidents occurred at Canmore’s Quarry Lake on August 1 and at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park on May 1.
