Young man drowns in swimming mishap at Old Water Lake

Candace Thomson
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2014

TIKIRARJUAQ/WHALE COVE
A young man known throughout the community for being positive and always wearing a smile was lost Tuesday night in a drowning accident in Whale Cove.

The 18-year-old man, whose identity is remaining private at the wishes of the family. according to Nunavut RCMP, was swimming with a group of young people at Old Water Lake when the incident happened.

Paul Kaludjak, Whale Cove's senior administrative officer, was part of the rescue attempt that involved at least 20 people.

"A group of people was at Old Water Lake swimming that evening and apparently one of them couldn't make it to shore," Kaludjak said. "The lake is fairly deep and for that reason he couldn't make it to shore."

He said the two RCMP officers stationed in the town were among the first on the scene after the victim's friends started crying out for help.

"By the time I got there one was already in the water trying to spot the swimmer and we were frantically looking for him, and doing the best we could," Kaludjak said. "He was underwater a little too long and we got him in one of our vehicles. We did CPR right to the nurses' station but unfortunately we couldn't revive him."

An emotional Kaludjak, who knew the man personally, told Kivalliq News that the deceased was a vibrant and athletic young man.

"He was always smiling and always on a positive side, well known in the community and really outgoing," he said. "It's difficult to lose him, much more the family, and the community is pulling behind them."

Having been part of the rescue mission made it difficult for Kaludjak to talk about the tragedy, he said.

"I really wish we were able to save him, but we couldn't do it," Kaludjak said. "He was under too long and it's sad like, you know, you're wishing all kinds of things but ... we lost the battle."

He said the loss is especially hard for the young people in the community.

"It's difficult, especially with a young person like that ... these things are never easy, and it hits the community and the soul I guess more or less," Kaludjak said. "Everybody knows each other here, especially the younger generation. If you're from a small community they're more closely knit."

Sgt. Yvonne Niego of the Nunavut RCMP confirmed that the investigation was complete this afternoon, and the incident has officially been marked an accidental drowning.