Father Urges Calgary for Urgent Water Safety Measures After Drowning Tragedy

UPDATE: The father of a young man who tragically drowned in southeast Calgary last week is demanding immediate action for enhanced water safety measures at community lakes. Two 20-year-old men, including Yagazie Ike-Peters, were recovered from Mahogany Lake on July 5, 2023, after bystanders noticed them struggling in the water.

Witnesses reported a frantic scene as one man went under, prompting a swift response from the Calgary Fire Department and local authorities. Neighbors have since laid flowers along the lake’s walking path, mourning the loss of the two young lives cut short.

Peters Ike, the father of Yagazie, has launched a petition that has already attracted over 2,000 signatures, advocating for the city to mandate safety measures, including the presence of lifeguards at local lakes. “I was always hoping that someday he would achieve his dream to become a doctor,” Ike expressed emotionally. “Only to then experience this.”

The petition aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure that no other families suffer similar losses. “In 2026, 2027, we will never have people losing their lives in our lakes,” Ike declared, emphasizing the urgency of implementing these safety protocols.

On the day of the drownings, authorities reported that crews were dispatched to a dock near a lake house after receiving calls for help. Investigators later located the belongings of another individual near the beach area, confirming that two people had drowned.

Members of the Southern Alberta Underwater Search Team recovered the bodies from the lake, with both men pronounced dead at the scene. The heartbreaking incident has sparked a conversation about safety regulations, as the City of Calgary stated that city council must officially mandate lifeguards at recreational swimming sites, which would then require amendments to existing bylaws.

The Alberta Lifesaving Society highlights that most drownings in Alberta occur during the summer months, with over 75 percent of victims being male. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for improved safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals in recreational waters.

As the community mourns, the call for action grows louder. Peters Ike is determined to channel his grief into change, emphasizing that no family should endure the pain of losing a loved one in preventable circumstances. The urgent need for safety measures at community lakes has never been clearer.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the next steps for the petition, but concerned residents and families are rallying to support the cause. The tragic events at Mahogany Lake serve as a potent reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for immediate action to protect lives.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.