Image: RCMP / Chilliwack RCMP Constable Bradley Holditch is eager to reduce seasonal tragedies at Cultus Lake. He's been instrumental in bringing the "Kids Don't Float" program at Cultus Lake, which provides loaner life jackets. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Cultus Lake

Chilliwack RCMP constable eager to reduce seasonal tragedies at Cultus Lake

Jul 24, 2024 | 10:36 AM

CULTUS LAKE — Upper Fraser Valley Constable Bradley Holditch’s passion for boating and being on the waters of Cultus Lake fits right in with his job as a boat operator for the RCMP.

For the past two years, Cst. Holditch has worked seasonal policing in Chilliwack and responded to drowning incidents at Cultus Lake. According to a statement from B.C. RCMP spokesperson Corporal Brett Urano out of Surrey, Cst. Holditch knew he wanted to do something to help prevent tragedies at Cultus Lake.

“I experience first hand the trauma that can happen on the water. I wanted to help prevent these drowning tragedies,” said Cst. Holditch. “I saw the ‘Kids Don’t Float’ program while visiting Vancouver Island and immediately knew I wanted to introduce this at Cultus Lake.”

Cpl. Urano says Holditch immediately got to work to establish the life-saving program. He approached local government agencies and local businesses for assistance to get the “Kids Don’t Float” program off the ground.

“The support I received from local businesses and the Cultus Lake Park Board was amazing, all partners were eager to contribute in making the lake a safer place to visit,” Cst. Holditch said. “The sponsors and the park board helped to pay for and set up the life jacket station at the lake, and without their support this wouldn’t have happened.”

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Officers at Cultus Lake have noticed an uptick since the program went live earlier this month, noting that loaner life jackets are being well-received and the public is utilizing this free service. Through a partnership with the British Columbia and Yukon branch of the Lifesaving Society, water safety pamphlets are available in 12 different languages. On the opening day of the program, Cst. Holditch and RCMP Seasonal Policing members visited Main Beach to bring immediate awareness of the personal flotation devices available to the public along with providing water safety tips. Police saya beachgoers were appreciative of the service and the PFDs were returned at the end of the day.

“My wish with this program is that it can help prevent unnecessary tragedies from happening on the water,” Cst. Holditch said. “The trauma I have had to deal with and the trauma families experience in losing a loved one to drowning, is something I don’t want to happen anymore. This program is all about education and improving water safety. I hope people will have an amazing summer and enjoy the water safely by wearing their lifejackets. I know I will.”

Police say July experiences the peak of water-related incidents each year. The third week of July is National Drowning Prevention Week, and authorities urge everyone to be safe on the water and help build water safety awareness.