The father of a young man who drowned in southeast Calgary last week is calling on the city to increase safety measures at community lakes.
The bodies of two 20-year-old men were recovered from Mahogany Lake last Wednesday after bystanders noticed someone struggling in the water and called 911.
Neighbours have since laid flowers along the community lake’s walking path, serving as a somber tribute to the two young men whose lives were tragically cut short.
One of the deceased was Yagazie Ike-Peters. His death now prompting his father to start a petition urging city officials to mandate safety measures like lifeguards to prevent future deaths.
“I was always hoping that someday he would achieve his dream to become a doctor,” says Yagazie’s father Peters Ike. “Only to then experience this.”
Ike tell CityNews the petition, which has garnered over 2,000 signatures, can help other families from going through similar tragedies.
“In 2026, 2027, we will never have people losing their lives in our lakes,” he says.
On the day of the drownings, Calgary Fire Department (CFD) crews were directed to a dock near the lake house when the arrived. Witnesses reported seeing one of the young men struggling in the water before disappearing below.
While the search was happening, police officers found the belongings of another person in the beach area and investigators concluded two people may have drowned in the area.
Southern Alberta Underwater Search Team (UST) members found the bodies of the two young men in the lake. The pair were removed from the water and pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the City of Calgary, in order for the city to mandate lifeguards at recreational outdoor swimming sites, the directive would need to come from city council. It would then have to be given to administration to amend the current bylaw.
The Alberta Lifesaving Society says most drownings in Alberta happen in summer, and over 75 per cent of victims are male.