Child rescued after near-drowning at Enderby river park, remains in critical condition
Updated: Aug 7
UPDATE (Aug. 7, 2026): The Nine year old boy remains in the intensive care unit at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver after a near-drowning in the Shuswap River at Enderby’s Tuey Park on Monday.
At last report his father says the boy is still under a medically induced coma but wakes periodically, with recent tests described as “really good.”
Doctors are awaiting MRI results; if favourable, they plan to begin waking him.
The family continues to thank the bystanders and off-duty medical professionals who helped save his life.
Original Story :
August 6 2026 - A 9-year-old child from Calgary remains in critical condition after a near-drowning incident at W.J. Tuey Regional Park in Enderby BC on the afternoon of Monday, August 3, 2026.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded around 2:45 p.m. to reports of a missing child at the riverside park on Waterwheel Street.
he family was spending the holiday weekend afternoon at the river when they briefly lost sight of the child, who failed to surface and was presumed submerged.
Bystanders immediately began searching the water. One person dove under and located the child pinned against fallen deadwood by the current. The child was brought to shore, where bystanders, including a doctor and nurses, performed CPR until ambulance crews arrived.
BC Ambulance Service transported the child to hospital in critical condition. Authorities believe the child was underwater for approximately five to 10 minutes.
“This tragic incident highlights the dangers surrounding all bodies of water,” said Corporal Tania Finn of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. “Ensure personal flotation devices and extra care are used, especially around moving water, as there is an increased risk associated with downed branches and other obstacles.”
The family is receiving support from RCMP Victim Services. No criminality is suspected.
Child rescued after near-drowning at Enderby river park, remains in critical condition
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