2 men drown in separate incidents in southern Alberta Saturday

2 men drown in separate incidents in southern Alberta Saturday

Police say 35-year-old jumped into river near Calgary and didn't resurface; 33-year-old drowned in Canmore

Two men drowned in two bodies of water in southern Alberta Saturday, according to RCMP.

The first incident happened near Nature's Hideaway campground, which is about 30 kilometres southeast of Calgary.

Police say the 35-year-old man jumped into the Highwood River from a cliff that RCMP said is accessible by the campground at about 12:23 p.m.

Okotoks RCMP, Foothills Fire and Emergency Services and a Calgary Police Service Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety (HAWCS) helicopter responded to the scene.

The man was found in the water but declared deceased.

Police say he was a resident of Mexico and had been visiting family.

Nature’s Hideaway has long been a popular location for swimming and cliff jumping. In an email, a spokesperson for the campground said they "are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our heartfelt condolences are with the individual’s family, friends, and loved ones."

A second man drowned in the early evening at Quarry Lake in Canmore, a popular recreation spot.

Around 5:45 p.m., there were reports of a swimmer struggling in the lake. Witnesses said he was not wearing a lifejacket, RCMP say.

First responders found the man, a 33-year-old from Rocky View County, underwater. He was pronounced dead.

RCMP are reminding people about prioritizing water safety, and cautioning against cliff jumping due to risks including underwater rocks not visible above surface.