Tragedy Strikes Thetis Lake: Teen Drowns After Cliff Jump Near Victoria

A somber atmosphere enveloped Thetis Lake near Victoria as emergency services concluded a multi-day search and recovery operation for a 17-year-old male who drowned over the weekend. The tragic incident, which saw the teen jump from a rock cliff and fail to resurface, has left the community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of water safety.

The alarm was raised late Saturday evening, May 18, when friends of the young man reported that he had jumped into the lake and not come back up.

Police, fire, and BC Ambulance Services, alongside search and rescue teams, immediately launched an extensive search. Their initial efforts continued until dark, focusing on the area where the teen was last seen.

The search resumed with renewed intensity on Sunday morning, with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team’s dive unit joining the efforts.

Despite the dedicated work of the divers and other responders, the challenging underwater conditions meant the search for the teen's body was prolonged and difficult.

The heartbreaking news came on Monday, May 20, when the RCMP confirmed that the body of the 17-year-old had been recovered. The BC Coroners Service has since taken over the investigation, working to understand the full circumstances surrounding this devastating loss of life.

This incident casts a shadow over the popular recreational spot and underscores the critical importance of caution around bodies of water, particularly when engaging in activities like cliff jumping.

Authorities continue to urge the public to prioritize safety and be aware of potential hazards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.