Photo: CVSAR

Police and search and rescue crews returned to the Kootenay River over the weekend to continue their search for an Edmonton man who was swept away July 30.

The man disappeared while attempting to rescue the family's dog from the water.

Despite the added search efforts, the man remains missing, says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District. 

Search officials will continue to monitor the water and reassess as conditions allow.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue received mutual aid in the search from Kimberley, Cranbrook, Golden, Sparwood and Creston SAR groups.

Efforts so far have included air, land and water searches, including support from the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.

About 20 swift water rescue technicians returned over the weekend to search the river near Canal Flats. The operation was bolstered with four jet boats, two rafts, a search dog, underwater cameras, and a helicopter provided by Coldstream Helicopters.

The police investigation remains open, says O'Donaghey.

The dog was able to swim back to shore, but the man lost his footing while trying to get to the pet.