Parks Canada has confirmed the death of a man last month at Florencia Bay near Tofino.
The Sept. 16 death was the second in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve this summer. A surfer died at Long Beach Aug. 9 after being seen in distress in the water, before being pulled out by his family.
In the September incident, Parks Canada staff responded to a report of an unconscious person. Paramedics, the RCMP and members of West Coast Inland Search and Rescue were also at the scene.
No further details of the incident were available. An investigation by the B.C. Coroners Service is ongoing.
Parks Canada said in a statement that it is “deeply saddened” by the death.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim, and with those who responded to the incident,” it said. “As the country’s largest tourism provider, we are committed to providing visitors with meaningful, safe and enjoyable experiences as well as with the information they need to make informed decisions.”
The agency said about a million visitors come to the Pacific Rim region every year for such activities as surfing, storm watching and walking on the beach. It said there are “inherent risks” involved in coastal activities, and encouraged visitors to familiarize themselves with the CoastSmart education campaign.
Developed in collaboration with the districts of Tofino and Ucluelet, CoastSmart provides information on the dangers of tides, unexpected waves, rip currents and the debilitating effects of cold water, it said.
For more information, go to a.
