Harrison Lake Awareness PSA

[@dandelaney8483]

I own a signage company and on behalf of Gary, Daniel and future water enthusiast we will put up signage at no cost to warn people of the dangers. They may be taken down due to the fact the city may think they are liable but if it saves one life it’s worth it.

[@TheLemon011]

Im so sorry for your loss. I live in the Harrison area and year after year, young men come from the city with no idea of lake safety and lose their lives and not just in Harrison but Cultus lake as well. Because we live out by many lakes, lake safety is driven home to our children. They learn it in school,swim classes and by the parents. I would love to see people going around to all the schools and teach the city kids that yes, weather on any lake can and does change in seconds, always wear a life jacket, ALWAYS, lake temps do very so educate yourself before you go into any lake, alcohol and lakes are a deadly mix. I believe if in schools this was taught, starting in elementary and continued on until grade 12 their would be far less deaths from drowning. Eduction is the best thing we can do to stop this from continuing year after year!

[@stabata2011]

caroline h Thank you for this information.

[@stabata2011]

caroline h You are so right and thank you so much for your thoughtful words. Please understand that requesting better public information at a tourist destination is good thing. So is lake safety education, something that is not taught in the city. We need to work together. Thank you for your comments today.

[@TheLemon011]

I'd love to see a web page that was easy for people to look up and have a clear break down of what to expect when they are on the lakes and what activities are safe and what are not safe. I know on the Harrison lake web site they do state, www.tourismharrison.com/harrison-lake "A word of warning it is a large, 60 kilometer long, glacier-fed lake and the water can be very cold. As well, storms can make the lake a dangerous place to be, so exercise caution and common sense." But I don't feel that good enough! What is caution and common sense for a person with out any knowledge of lake safely? I hope and pray that your video causes change and no one has to experience the loss and pain you are having to endure!

[@stabata2011]

caroline h [e-mail] with your contact info. thank you.

[@michaelfromberg]

So sorry to hear this, thank you for your honesty and the warning to future swimmers, RIP. Water is one of the most powerful forces on the planet!

[@stabata2011]

Michael Fromberg Thank you.

[@supergreatuniverse]

this is amazing, speaking out is the one action we can take and you've done it beautifully. glacier fed waters is something people should ALWAYS be aware of.

[@stabata2011]

superrrhymes Thank you.

[@evantran8686]

Dude I’m in there for hours and there making it seem like it’s the worst thing in the world

[@tgebbinck]

Wow!! Heartbreaking, so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this video..I have spent many years on the beach at Harrison and never knew this. God Bless!

[@lorenacrocker6903]

So sorry for your loss thank you for posting this to warn others of the danger.

[@stabata2011]

Lorena Crocker Thank you.

[@stabata2011]

It's been 8 weeks as of today since I lost my little brother and a high school friend. I would like to say it gets easier but it really hasn't. I think about you every day. Our parents, family, and friends are devastated beyond measure. There isn't a second that goes by that I don't replay the events that unfolded that day. I have always felt strong, confident, and have been able to take anything life has thrown my way. I have never felt so helpless like I did that day. This group is in no way to criticize the efforts of the RCMP, search and rescue, and all others who tried to save my baby brother and friend that day. This is simply a plea, a hope that whoever chooses to swim in this lake knows the dangers and reality of it. 1 life is too much, over 70 is un fathomable. I have seen the devastation this tragedy has caused for mine, as well as Gary's, family. So please, be safe, know that this lake goes from still and glassy to extremely choppy in the afternoon. Know that even though you can swim and think you are safe, there are temperatures in this lake that will literally shut down your body. I love you both, more than words could ever say. I miss you so much, and I am so sorry I was unable to save you two. You were both shooting stars, a quick glimpse of something miraculous that only a small crowd were privileged enough to see. And although you're both gone, your memory and trails will never be forgotten. You two did not deserve this fate. There is so much wrong with this world. If there is any silver lining, I am thankful that you both did not have to go through the struggles of life. You never had the chance to be corrupted, plagued, or haunted by our day to day strife. I promise to always remember, cherish, and reflect on just how positive you two were and the impacts you both had in this short time. You truly were inspirational to all those who knew you. Gary, my friend, I hope you are rocking out in heaven. I wish Daniel knew how to play an instrument, but you have eternity to teach him. Daniel, I am so proud of you. You were the youngest of 5, but we all looked to you. I see your pictures everyday, and I can't even imagine life without you. Just one weekend seems like an eternity, I can't imagine the rest of my life. But I know, that when my time comes, you will be waiting on the other side to greet me. I look forward to that day. I love you Danny boy, thank you for everything. I pray I can turn out to be at least half the man you were. Once a Reid, always a Reid, Brandon.

[@debbietristan100]

stabata2011 My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families and friends. I can't imagine what you are going through. May God give you the strength to get through each day, to get stronger, and make your little brother proud of you. May your lives be a testament to Daniel and Gary's lives. God bless you. And thank you, in the midst of your grief, for making this very important public service announcement, which may help to save someone else's life.

[@stabata2011]

debbietristan100 Thank you.

[@denisewozniak]

stabata2011 I am very sad to hear of this profound loss. You have made a difference to people by letting them know about Harrison Lake. I had no idea it was that cold and I live fairly close to it. I am sure you will grieve the loss forever and that is how much your little brother and high school friend made a difference. #remarkablevideo #DanielandGaryRIP #youmadeadifference

[@stabata2011]

Denise Wozniak Thank you.

[@denisewozniak]

stabata2011 thank you for posting.. we all need to be aware of dangers and you have bravely shared through your own experiences. It has taken courage and I admire you.

[@Sherryzthehappieherbie]

My deepest sympathies for your loss. Good on you for the PSA. I grew up in the Fraser Valley, our grandparents & parents told us about the dangers & stories of the Harrison , Cultus & Chilliwack lakes. My Dad logged up at Harrison. Keep the stories alive !!!!!

[@stabata2011]

Sherry z Thank you

[@CR8Vchristina]

I am just seeing this message for the first time. I want to thank you for sharing this very important message. Yes I agree there should be signs and warnings so no one else looses their life. It’s four years later and it is still reaching people. You did the an amazing job making the PSA video. Thank you. I am sorry for the loss of your family and friends. I will warn others!

[@SF-gu5os]

This video is very helpful and informative of the dangers

[@JerryLawler-pe8wv]

Rip Gary Duong, Daniel Reid and Nashwan Ahmed. You guys are always in my prayers 🤲🏽 ❤

[@jimmuskett1395]

I am so very sorry for your loss of two special people...this is a very heartbreaking video, and I will share it with my facebook friends and hopefully it will help prevent another tragedy....:(

[@stabata2011]

Jim Muskett Thank you.

[@sarapickering1]

Thank you for sharing this message!

[@ludicrousmodel3173]

I'm going jetskiing there tomorrow, with a life jacket and a wetsuit for the cold temperatures and the currents. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[@youandiryan]

I just about drown in Harrison 2 years ago. I got pulled out buy a current not realizing there were even currents in the lake, I tried swimming back to shore but I kept getting pulled further out, I started panicking, and then managed to calm myself down and get back to the shore very very very tired, I didn't think I was going to be able to make it back because I was so tired. I realized the lake can act like an ocean now because it is so big. I grew up around Harrison Lake, swam in it millions of times and that never happened. But it only took that one time to make me be more careful. I still swim in the lake after that incident, I was at Harrison a few days ago. But I am a lot more careful.

[@itsmematthew]

RIP.. sorry for your loss. Curious how I'm only hearing about this today though, was camping there a couple days after that.

[@stabata2011]

***** Thank you.

[@animalloverjulian8243]

there are now signs there, thank god. i have swam in the lake and, it's fine as long as you stay in designated swim areas where it's not too deep. that lake is huge, 70 kilometres long and it's very deep also, up to 1000 ft in some places. the lake has ocean like currents and freezing temperatures. when I go there, I usually just relax in the hot springs.

[@Flightstar]

I was on the lake yesterday in a power boat hanging around the channel behind Echo Island. It went from being really calm to choppy in just a few minutes, a Southerly wind had just kicked up. On the way back to the Marina, out of the lee side of Echo, the water was like an angry ocean with 2+ foot swells with breaking white caps. I thought how dangerous this would be if out in a canoe or small powerless boat. You would be helpless and very possibly be swamped. No one would last in that water so far out. This is a lake where you need a survival suit if you expect to have a chance to be rescued in time, and that's if anyone sees you. Big lakes like this can draw big winds, which can generate large waves.

[@animalloverjulian8243]

only big boats are capable of handling those types of waves.

[@animalloverjulian8243]

I thought that I heard that the lake is 200-400 meters deep or something

[@Flightstar]

@@animalloverjulian8243 I believe it's 1000' further up the lake

[@mrharry8466]

sorry for your loss

[@thuryax6918]

more people need to watch videos like this just recently another swimmer died in Harrison lake that just happens to be my cousin and this happens Tuesday 11th 2015 and sadly his body still hasn't been found so plz if anyone reading this comment does decide to jump into the lake plz just think about what your doing!

[@stabata2011]

+Thurya Salmane We reach out to your family at this time of grief. It took us two months before we could even start to do something about this. We are trying and it is hard. Cold water kills. Get informed.

[@evantran8686]

I’m sorry for your loss but I live there and there just making it seem so bad like it’s so nice and they just have to be careful if they don’t like cold water

[@parshoko]

R.I.P PLEASE SHARE EVERYBODY .... IT IS WELL DONE THANK YOU (y)

[@stabata2011]

par shoko Thank you.

[@valefore82]

I feel for you guys, my best friend Devin (also an incredibly strong swimmer) drowned swimming across the horrible hot springs lagoon six years ago, they barely had any signage warning of the dangers (at the time only two 1 ft. by 1 ft. one of each end, but none in the middle). the lagoon was very poorly maintained, the weeds at the bottom had become so long that he got caught in them as he was going across, got so tangled that they dredged the lagoon for almost a week before they could recover his body. His parents left small a cross in the sand with his name on it, and the city of harrison made a worker go and "get rid of it, because its making us looks bad" the only reason this handmade ornate cross was returned to us, is because the worker tasked with throwing it out, didn't have the heart to do so and returned it to his parents. Then the city basically said "You've gotta pay thousands of dollars for a bench with a plaque in order to keep a memorial here." fortunately one of the locals felt for them and donated towards the bench. When it comes down to it, the city only cares about your money, not the safety of you, or those closest to you. My heart genuinely goes out to you, at this, the roughest of times. I hope that time helps to heal your wounds, or at least make them sting a little less. I am so, terribly sorry for your loss

[@stabata2011]

SinfullSaintt Thank you so much for sharing and please let Devin's family know we are here.

[@vladbcom]

I'd never jump into glacier cold waters with or without a sign. It's just common sense. We can say all we want but unless people exercise care no amount of signage would help anyway. RIP

[@henriettamcinroy7741]

I have lived moments from the Harrison Lake, and I have watched plenty of family's have their fun swimming and playing in the water. These family's treat the Harrison Lake like any other lake, as everyone who is planning on going on the lake should. The water is cold, with high winds in an open area, all to be expected. I am truly sorry for your loss and every other loss on the water, but the fault is no less the actions of the people on the water then the water it self. The water is not unsafe if you swim and play with precaution, as you should. Yes, few deaths couldn't have been prevented, but there are plenty of which that could. Before entering the water or boating you should not be intoxicated, should wear a life jacket, go in a big group of people, and should have all the accessories you need for any case scenario. I am truely sorry for your loss, I wish actions were taken differently, but the water is not to blame for these incidents. R.I.P our lovely swimmers.

[@user-iv6wp7uh1i]

And I'm sorry for your loss

[@kaileyg1494]

The lagoon is a cess pit full of swimmers itch and bacteria.... and the lake is glacier fed so it’s VERY cold and I think that’s what most tourists don’t realize. There’s no warning signs. The water literally takes your breath away just stepping in. Every year we watch people die in our beautiful lake. I’m so sorry for your loss

[@TineyGrouse]

You name me 1 natural lake in BC that isn't glacier fed..

[@stevie56565]

entering any body of water is a risk... Even a pool ......But I agree there should be a sign but even then people would still jump in and swim.... what a sad story..... :(

[@PeterSpongebobBloo]

Made their souls go "R.I.P" Rest In Peace Amen

[@agent4014]

In no way is it the lakes fault, wear some lifejackets people, especially if the your intoxicated and floating into the middle of the lake. It's an easily avoidable tragedy the lake isn't dangerous, people are.

[@misterfunnybones]

The air temperature is irrelevant, but it can lull inexperienced open lake swimmers into thinking that they might be able to swim longer than is actually possible (swim failure, then hypothermia). The water temperature is all that matters & this is a cold lake at the best of times & freezing cold most of the time. Add wind from the South & you'll be blown into open chop very quickly with no hope of current recovery, unlike an ocean riptide. rip.

[@semtech30]

It never warms up because it is so deep. Winds from the west create huge white caps. Must be respected like an ocean.

[@willdill]

Can someone just explain to me what happened? they were swimming and then a flash flood of ice cold water from the mountains came over them?

[@CraZyAZNAL3X]

Will Landry The lake can fluctuate drastically, can turn from cool calm water, to freezing cold temperatures and rocking waves in an instance, especially if you are far from the shore.

[@DANIELABERNJAK]

Will Landry This is exactly why the families want PSA, so people will know what can happen!

[@csimpson21]

What happened was they were drinking and floating in the lake on an inflatable party Island. The wind took them out into the lake and without life vest the 2 men tried to swim a long distance to shore.. Not The lakes fault. Just poor judgement around water. Iv been floating and swimming in this lake for 20 Years and like with any body of water you have be careful when in the water. Especially harrison cause it's very large. All about respect for water. Very sad that it happened but very preventable if people would use common sense on the water and be careful when there drinking

[@buckfutter3885]

***** While squalls can come up quickly, it's not unlike most large BC lakes.

[@adamduffy2999]

Will Landry The water is always cold. Dip your toe in the water any time of year and you will know this. Alex Joe is ridiculous to suggest that the water can become freezing in an instance and should refrain from making foolish comments. I live in Harrison. There is a reason people use 4mm wetsuits when doing wind/water sports here. csimpson is exactly right about what happened. Its about a 20 minute walk from where they were to where they were trying to swim to. In water as cold as Harrison (around 17 degrees C) dexterity and exhaustion can set in within half an hour, and unconsciousness possibly within 2 hours. Attempting to swim so far (approximately 1200m as the crow flies) in choppy water would increase energy consumption and in turn would increase the onset of the symptoms of hypothermia; not to mention the fact that alcohol consumption lowers the body's core temperature to begin with.

[@stabata2011]

As we pray for the families and friends of the missing man on Harrison and the young woman from Langley, we thank you all for your comments. We need more awareness of the dangers of cold water immersion and more knowledge of this lake. Make a difference and spread the word.

[@reeciemarie]

May you have many blessings in your memories... As a tourist to the area there is information all over the web that says its a glacier fed lake, largest lake, people have died from cold temperatures etc. If there is a sign up at the lagoon how does that help someone at the swimming hole in the forestry roads? It is our choice to be informed. The information is there, and people do not read signs! The amount of people I have seen walk right by a sign, even touch the sign and then blame the establishment for lack of due diligence is absurd. Humans take responsibility for your actions, stop blaming others and taking a victim stance. It is our choice to use the tools we gave been provided and find ones that work if what we have is not.

[@JerryLawler-pe8wv]

This family and these friends lost loved ones and trying to let people know the dangers of this lake. You come here with that shit no body wants to hear. Have some respect. God forbid you loose a loved one to a tragedy and you try to bring awareness to that. They ain’t blaming no one. All they are saying is the water is hot and can change within seconds. If you know that move on. Some people don’t know these things. Especially people new to lakes and the water.

[@TineyGrouse]

Is this for real or someone's school project?

[@CookiesCritterCare]

How come the water is do cold? I live on the ocean front and people swim in there for hours aswell as the lakes here. Not trying to sound rude, I just dont know. I lived in Deroche and had my work experience at HHR so the area isnt new to me

[@richawoman]

It's glacier water

[@youandiryan]

It's because of the glaciers. But that's not the only thing that's dangerous. Harrison has very powerful currents, sort of like rip currents because the lake is so big, it sort of behaves like an ocean. Some people believe the currents are caused by the cold water mixing with the warm water.

[@a1m598]

Two more young men drowned in there yesterday. Have they put up signs yet?

[@cdnredneck7070]

Really put up a sign. The Lake is 100 km long thats alot of signs you have to put up and if you do it to Harrison you have to do it for the rest of them. And im willing to bet they will just have shot gun rounds in them and no one will even read them like they dont read any of the other signs.

[@Cloutpunisher]

Mickey O'Neil doesn't hurt to try in case it just helps one person in the future. Just one sign by the docks near the hot springs couldn't hurt anybody, since that's a tourist spot.

[@animalloverjulian8243]

the lake is 200-400 meters deep or something,

[@evantran8686]

I live in Harrison and have two cabins and the water is cold but they were out there on jet skis and they were in there for to long I’m in there for hours and I’m perfectly fine and it’s a amazing place stop trying to make it seem like it’s a hell hole im 12 and I stay in there for over 5 hours at days and in the winter

[@JasperRGH]

Swim in there almost everyday. i thought it was pretty warm in there

[@anaclmso2955]

are you talking about harrison hot springs? Because I almost drowed there . I was with my friend and there was a hole in the water I couldnt see it but I fell in it. It was up to my forehead but I climbed out of it without any harm

[@user-iv6wp7uh1i]

I went the a couple weeks ago and it's not cold

[@daverbmxer]

Probably drunk, their fault for not being prepared, not other's for not putting up signs. Don't ruin the lake and waste money by putting up signs. Every lake and stream is enter at your own risk, why the fuck should there be signs that tell you to be safe? Go back to your city, the mall is safer.

[@Xploit604]

Agreed,

[@taktaktakfilms]

daverbmxer An irresponsible, callous, and completely incorrect comment. I hope when tragedy hits you, people are a bit more thoughtful and decent.

[@Cherylisticx]

daverbmxer Honestly, if you don't have anything nice to say. PLEASE KEEP IT TO YOURSELF . From a person who do not know the real story and just commenting so carelessly, I will pray for you. We are here to spread awareness to save more lives. I only ask of you to be more respectful.

[@agent4014]

They didn't even realize they were missing people they were so drunk, they also abused a local because he wouldn't rent them a boat(for being drunk) and were towed back already once that day and warned. Signs wouldn't have done anything, proper water safety education would. What's common in all the deaths? No life jackets, not strong swimmers and lacking common sense. It's a tragedy, it is. But don't blame it on the lake lakes fault, and don't make it seem like it's a dangerous place to be, it's not. They fail to leave out 90% of the story. BUY A 30$ LIFEJACKET AND HAVE IT NEAR NONE OF THIS WOULD EVER HAPPEN.

[@bryantran1149]

Evan .Janzen I guess you happened to missed the part about how the water is 41 degrees Fahrenheit? What would a life jacket do? Help you float. But hypothermia would set in quickly. How are you supposed to make it to shore in that situation? You whole body freezes up and your limbs won't move. And I guess you happened to miss the part where they said the two were good swimmers. And if you are going SWIMMING, you don't wear life jacket. Life jackets impacts swimming mobility, the only time you wear life jackets is when you don't expect to be swimming, like when you are out on a boat, canoing, or kayakking, but I guess your "proper safety education" doesn't cover common sense. Now, if there was a sign that said "No Swimming Allowed" then your words would be right, since only then would people take note of water safety. The point is, this is a tourist location, a place where people relax. You would expect recreation to happen. Swimming would naturally come to mind, unless of course there was a SIGN that warned people not to swim. Well? Anything to say?

[@bigherm1300]

I lost my brother Neshwan Ahmed On August 11 2015 On This Very Lake We Got No Answers Just a Bunch Of Questions I Wish He Saw This Video He Probably Would Of Never Went Of On That Water That Day

[@swad99]

I am very sorry for you lose of your friends and family member but as a local and a reasonable adult I do know that alcohol and drugs mixed with water kills, its not the lakes fault 100% you have to be aware of the temperature of the water and if your not yes you will get in trouble. Funny you don't mention you were all drunk, and got denied a boat rental due to being drunk, you had no life jackets. It very disgusting how people come to the little village that many of my friends and family call home and try to say it all the lake fault. I have seen people die in the lake, lagoon, hell even the roads surrounding the area, but the truth always come out and drugs or alcohol are always the factor. So before making a video about how dangerous the lake and area is, maybe you should also explain you were all three sheets to the wind.

[@paulineboucher7074]

Many don't know that Harrison was once OCEAN , the under toes are brutal , stay out of the lagoon, it is full of goose crap, 100% swimmer itch (skin mites). Fraser health has nw posted warning signs ,