A Banff resident, aged 29, tragically drowned at Johnson Lake in Banff National Park on Sunday evening, as confirmed by authorities. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed that the man’s body was retrieved around 7 p.m., and there is no suspicion of foul play, according to RCMP representative Cpl. Gina Slaney. Victoria Hawley, a strategic communications advisor at Banff’s Parks Canada field unit, reported that rescue teams were dispatched to assist a distressed swimmer, but upon arrival, the individual had already passed away. Parks Canada expressed deep sympathy to the deceased’s family and friends during this challenging period.

Emergency responders, including paramedics, Banff RCMP, Banff Fire Department, and Alpine Helicopters, were present at the scene. Johnson Lake, located 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. In a separate case, Canmore authorities are investigating the death of a 52-year-old man from Canmore discovered in the Bow River on the same Sunday morning.

Earlier incidents of drowning occurred at Canmore’s Quarry Lake on August 1, and another tragic event took place at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park on May 1.