Emergency responders recovered the body of a 35-year-old Mexico resident Saturday afternoon after he went missing while swimming near Nature's Hideaway Family Campground in De Winton, marking a sobering reminder of the risks posed by recreational water activities in Alberta's river systems.
RCMP and Foothills Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the campground—located roughly 15 kilometres east of the Highway 2 and Highway 2A interchange—shortly before 12:30 p.m. after reports indicated the man had jumped from a cliff into the water and failed to resurface. The campground sits at the confluence of the Highwood and Bow rivers, a picturesque but potentially hazardous location popular with visitors during summer months.
Calgary Police Service's HAWKS aerial unit assisted crews in locating the body in the water. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains have been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy, with the official cause of death pending investigation results.
RCMP Issues Safety Warning
Mounties have issued a formal warning to the public about the serious dangers associated with cliff jumping in the region. Hidden underwater rock formations and powerful river currents present life-threatening hazards that may not be immediately visible from above water level.
"Cliff jumping can seem like an exciting summer activity, but the consequences can be catastrophic," RCMP officials stated in their advisory. The warning comes as more recreational visitors head to provincial waterways during peak season.
Nature's Hideaway Family Campground remains open to visitors. Those planning to visit the area are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution around water features and to heed all posted safety advisories.
This story is based on reporting by the Calgary Herald.