A child has died after reports that they jumped into Mahogany Lake in southeast Calgary on Sunday.
Calgary Fire Department (CFD) crews were called to the community lake around 7:20 p.m. after reports that a child had jumped from a dock and failed to resurface.
CFD public information officer Alex Kwan said they had been playing basketball shortly before entering the water.
Rescue teams arrived to find poor visibility and cold temperatures hampering the search. It took crews nearly 45 minutes to locate the child, who was eventually found more than six metres below the surface.
Firefighters pulled them from the water and transferred them to an ambulance.
“Our rescuers were able to pull the child out of the water from a depth of about 6 meters, into a waiting ambulance,” Kwan said, noting the patient was transported in critical and life‑threatening condition.
The Mahogany Lake Association says they were deeply saddened over the child’s death.
“Our hearts are with the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. On behalf of our organization, I extend our sincere condolences as we hold the child and their family in our thoughts,” a notice reads.
“Out of respect for the family and the ongoing efforts by emergency services and authorities, the Mahogany HOA will not provide further comment at this time. We are supporting the appropriate processes and allowing space for the family to grieve.
“We appreciate the compassion shown by the Mahogany community and the public, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragic loss.”
Residents who live in the area say the incident has left the community shaken.
“I just feel for the family and all the families that are gonna go through this over the summer. It’s heartbreaking, I dunno how you get through it,” one resident said.
Another resident expressed concerns about safety at the lake.
“We only signed a paper where you say that you’re responsible, but when you are there? No more, nobody helps you,” they said.
The latest incident is prompting renewed calls for caution as warm weather draws more people to the lake. Last August, two 20‑year‑old men drowned in Mahogany Lake.
Kwan emphasized the risks of entering cold water early in the season.
“If you suddenly jump into a body of water, it’s important to keep your head out of the water,” he says. “You can end up taking in a lot of water in the initial shock of being in the cold.”
Mahogany Beach was closed Monday following the incident and reopened Tuesday at 9 a.m.