A major search effort remains underway after two boys, ages 10 and 13, were swept into the fast-moving rapids near Sturgeon Falls at Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Saturday, July 18.

According to Manitoba RCMP, emergency crews responded shortly after 12:40 p.m. after receiving reports that the boys had entered the rapids and did not resurface. The search has involved the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART), local fire departments, EMS, Manitoba Conservation officers, boats, drones, and volunteers.

The search remains ongoing, and RCMP are asking anyone in the area who spots clothing, footwear, or other personal belongings that appear out of place to contact the Lac du Bonnet RCMP immediately.

This tragic incident is a reminder that the rapids at Sturgeon Falls are extremely dangerous. Visitors are urged to stay well back from the water’s edge, obey all warning signs, closely supervise children, and wear properly fitted life jackets when participating in water activities.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, first responders, and volunteers involved in the search.