Winnipeg man drowns in Hanover gravel pit

An 18-year-old Winnipeg man drowned while attempting to swim across a gravel pit located south of Grunthal.

RCMP said they were alerted to the emergency at 9:30 p.m. on July 19.

They said a group of friends were at the well-known location that has been used for swimming for years, when the victim attempted to swim across the pit. The witnesses said the man disappeared under the water about halfway across and did not resurface.

Efforts were made by RCMP and the local fire department to find the swimmer and they requested airborne assistance to aid in the search. STARS flew over the pit with spotlights to assist with efforts to locate the swimmer but without success.

The Manitoba RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) was then contacted and were at the scene on Monday morning.

An 18-year-old male from Winnipeg was located deceased by URT in the early afternoon.

“The death of any young person is a tragedy that devastates their families, friends and entire communities. We offer our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by these tragedies,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Melanie Roussel. “We know summers in Manitoba have so much to offer, but we are urging everyone to take precautions and make safe choices — whether you are on the water, on the road, or riding off-road.”

Manitoba RCMP are urging everyone to ensure their own safety following a tragic weekend on the waterways and lakes, that included several tragedies involving young people. Two boys – ages 13 and 10 – are believed to have slipped into fast-moving rapids at Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park and have still not been located.

The RCMP encourages Manitobans to make safe choices when around waterways and take the following advice when on the water.

Don’t swim alone or overestimate your swimming abilities.

Be aware of currents and strong waters and never dive head-first into a body of water.

With children, don’t rely on water wings, swim rings and other inflatable toys to replace adult supervision and keep them within an adult’s sight and reach at all times.

Wear a lifejacket while boating or doing water sports.

St. Pierre-Joly RCMP continue to investigate.