A Calgary family is raising money after their nine-year-old son was found submerged in water during a trip to Enderby.
Police responded to a report of a missing child at W.J. Tuey Regional Park on Waterwheel Street at about 2:45 p.m.
Numerous bystanders began searching the water for the child. Police said one person dove underwater and found him submerged and pinned against fallen deadwood by the current.
The family said in an online fundraiser that Paul Angelo Warren was admitted to the intensive care unit at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and placed in a medically induced coma.
The fundraiser said the family is facing financial hardship. It said Paul Angelo’s mother, Maria Warren, stopped working at her two jobs to remain at his bedside and his father had been out of work for several months without employment benefits.
“Every donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden so they can focus on helping Paul-Angelo heal,” read the GoFundMe.
Cpl. Tania Finn of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said this incident highlights the dangers surrounding all bodies of water.
“Ensure personal flotation devices and extra care are used, especially around moving water, as there is an increased risk associated with downed branches and other obstacles.”
Police said no criminality is suspected and no further details will be released.
