Body of 20-year-old drowning victim recovered from southern Alberta lake

The body of a young man who drowned in a southern Alberta lake has been recovered after rescuers spent hours looking for the victim.

On Monday around 5p.m.,RCMP and firefighters from Coaldale along with members of the Coalhurst Fire Department and Lethbridge Fire Water Rescue Team were called to Stafford Lake, just east of Coaldale, for reports of a missing 20-year-old man.

The RCMPisnot releasing the name of the victim.

Stafford Lake is located about 10 minutes east of Coaldale just south of Highway 3.

First responders used a drone to narrow the search, which helped the divers from theLethbridgewater rescue team find the body.

The victim was brought to shore around 9p.m.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and community members during this sad and difficult time,"said Staff Sgt. Glenn Henry.

"I would like to thank the first responders for their quick, professional response and the community members who assisted where they could."

Coaldale RCMP are reminding lake-goers to use safety devices like life-jackets and personal flotation devices.