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  • Okotoks RCMP confirm drowning death of 35-year-old man at Nature’s Hideaway Campground

    This tragedy is a sobering reminder that cliff jumping can be a leap of faith with no safety net.

    A 35-year-old man from Mexico died Saturday after jumping from a cliff into the water at Nature’s Hideaway Campground in Foothills County.

    Okotoks RCMP responded to a report of a missing swimmer around 12:23 p.m. Witnesses told police the man did not resurface after the jump.

    Okotoks RCMP, Foothills Fire and Emergency Services, and the Calgary Police Service HAWCS helicopter searched the area and located the man in the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. RCMP offered condolences to the man’s family, friends, and community.

    Police are warning the public to avoid cliff jumping, citing dangers such as submerged rocks that may not be visible from the surface and strong water currents.

  • Heat warning remains in effect for Okotoks-area Foothills County

    With temperatures climbing, it is a good week to keep cool heads in the Foothills.

    A heat warning remains in effect for Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton, with daytime highs expected to reach 30 C to 34 C this week.

    Environment Canada says the hot conditions are expected to continue throughout the week across parts of Foothills County, Vulcan County, the M.D. of Willow Creek and Siksika Nation.

    People in affected areas are advised to reduce heat risks by moving outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day when possible, taking regular breaks in cooled indoor spaces, and drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks.

    Officials also remind drivers to check vehicles before leaving and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even briefly.

    Environment Canada says residents should watch for signs of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can include high body temperature, confusion, fainting, unconsciousness and a lack of sweating.

    People who may be more vulnerable in hot weather include infants, children, seniors, outdoor workers, people who are socially isolated, and those with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions.

    The warning also applies to several nearby and regional areas, including Foothills County near High River and Aldersyde, Diamond Valley, Longview and Eden Valley, Cayley, Blackie, Priddis and Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, as well as communities in Vulcan County and the M.D. of Willow Creek.

    heat warnings are issued when very high temperatures are expected to increase the risk of heat-related illness.