BC

A 78-year-old Christina Lake man drowned Thursday while canoeing on a man-made lake on private property.

According to a witness, the man fell out of his canoe, attempted to climb back in but then disappeared under the water at Moody Lake, west of Christina Lake.

RCMP officers, B.C. Ambulance and Christina Lake Fire and Rescue responded to the scene at around 9:30 a.m.

The man, who was not wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device, was located approximately 50 feet  from shore, about 8 to 12 feet under water.

His name is not being released at this time, pending notification of next of kin.

The drowning is one of several  in the province since the start of summer. Barb McLintock, B.C. Coroners Services Communications Officer, said in most cases the people were not wearing proper safety equipment.

“There has been a rash in the last month, so we are asking people to please wear life jackets,” she said.