Man Drowns at Golden Ears Provincial Park While Photographing Waterfall

Golden Ears Provincial Park drowning waterfall rescue response delayed emergency services

On Monday, Aug. 3, at about 7:24 p.m., a man slipped into the Gold Creek Lower Falls area of Golden Ears Provincial Park while trying to take photographs of the waterfall. He was seen by family and friends, and witnesses attempted a rescue before emergency crews arrived.

Maple Ridge Fire Rescue reached the scene just before 8 p.m. and, using swift‑water gear, rescued two people who were on a nearby rock. A crew swam across the creek with a raft, pulled the submerged man onto the raft, and performed CPR on shore. BCEHS paramedic Brian Twaites reported that the victim was taken to hospital in critical condition but later died. Maple Ridge RCMP and Ridge Meadows Search & Rescue also assisted.

Assistant Chief Gary Porter warned that the park’s remote location and limited cellphone service can delay emergency response, noting it can take up to 40 minutes for a 9‑1‑1 call to be placed and for responders to reach the water. He said signs warning of the danger are often ignored, with many visitors swimming in the pool above the falls.

Entities

Assistant Chief Gary Porter · Brian Twaites · Gary Porter · Golden Ears Provincial Park · Maple Ridge Fire Rescue · Maple Ridge RCMP

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 6 SOURCES] The incident occurred on Monday, Aug. 3, around 7:24 p.m., and responders arrived just before 8 p.m. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Maple Ridge RCMP reported witnesses said the man slipped while taking pictures of the waterfall. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Maple Ridge Fire Rescue rescued two wet people on a rock and retrieved the submerged man using swift‑water gear and a raft. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Paramedics performed CPR and transported the man to hospital in critical condition, but he later died. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] A man slipped into the water at Gold Creek Lower Falls in Golden Ears Provincial Park while taking pictures and later died. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Ridge Meadows Search & Rescue also participated in the rescue operation. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] There are safety signs warning of the danger, but many visitors ignore them and swim near the falls. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Assistant Chief Gary Porter said the remote location can cause a 30‑40 minute delay for emergency responders and that cellphone service is limited. westknews.com · cowichanvalleycitizen.com · goldstreamgazette.com · lakecountrycalendar.com · saanichnews.com · +1 more