Search for Missing Paddle Boarder Closes WA Lake

Bear Lake, located 33 miles north of Spokane, was closed Thursday, July30.

  Spokane County Search Crews Continue Looking for Drowning Victim

July 24th, several witnesses called 9-1-1 to report a man on a paddleboard had fallen off, tried to get back on, then slipped under the waters of Bear Lake.

Bear Lake, not to be mistaken for one of the same name in Western WA, is about 35 acres of water surface area, with a maximum depth of 54 feet. But, it’s also known at times for having silty, murky water, and underwater vegetation is thick.

    Search Teams Could Not Find the Presumed Victim

Divers and a remotely controlled vehicle (ROV) were rendered nearly useless due to the murky conditions, so now searchers plan to use sophisticated sonar and other tech to carefully scan as much of the lake as possible.

In addition, on shore parties will be scanning areas, searching for any sign of the man, whose name has not yet been released.

According to the SCSO, there are other underwater hazards, but they did not elaborate.  Officials stress yet again, not wearing a life jacket greatly contributed to what is begin consdered a body recovery operation.

   Which States Have the Most Drownings?

In WA, we hear a lot about drownings, including irrigation canals, but we do not rank in the top 5 or even 7 nationall. Alaska is number 1, followed by Hawaii, Montana and Louisiana. CA and Texas are also on the list.  Alaska has a number of fast-moving, cold rivers and streams, as well as harbors, and the frigid water contributes to a lot of mishaps and fatalities, according to reports.