A child has been critically injured in a drowning incident at Mahogany Beach, prompting significant concern among local residents. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, with emergency services responding to a call approximately at 7:20 p.m.
Drowning Incident Details
According to reports from EMS-Alberta, rescue efforts began after a child was reported missing in the water. Battalion Chief Scott Cowan from the Calgary Fire Department stated that their crews promptly arrived and spoke with witnesses to ascertain the location where the child had last been seen.
- Incident Time: 7:20 p.m.
- Rescue Efforts: Involved Calgary Fire Department’s aquatics team.
- Depth of Mahogany Lake: Approximately 23 feet.
- Visibility: Limited visibility conditions reported.
The aquatics team conducted a search underwater, utilizing specialized equipment to navigate the murky conditions. Tragically, the child was discovered at the bottom of the lake. Once found, they were brought to the surface and immediately transferred into the care of EMS personnel.
The child was taken to South Health Campus, where they are currently listed in critical condition. Observations at Mahogany Beach indicate a lack of lifeguard services, with signs advising visitors to use the beach at their own risk. This situation has raised alarms within the community regarding safety protocols in place at the beach.
Community Reactions and Past Incidents
In response to this tragic event, the Mahogany Homeowners Association announced the closure of the main beach until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5. They communicated this decision through a social media post, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident.
This incident is not isolated; last August, two men in their twenties drowned in Mahogany Lake, which sparked a petition advocating for the implementation of lifeguards and trained first aid responders at local recreational water sites. The community’s safety concerns continue to grow amidst these alarming incidents.
