17-year-old still missing after swimming near Beaver Creek
Crowd-funding page raises $8,500 to back search for Justin Warwaruk of Outlook
The 17-year-old boy who went missing in the South Saskatchewan River on Sunday has been identified as Justin Warwaruk of Outlook.
A crowd-funding page collecting donations to support the search for the teen says Warwaruk was swimming with friends at Beaver Creek on Sunday when he dived into the water and disappeared.
He was reported missing around 8:45 p.m. on July 16. RCMP organized a search of the river and surrounding areas.
On Tuesday morning, more than 36 hours after he was reported missing, RCMP said the search was continuing and no update would be provided unless the situation changed. As of press time, there were no reports that he had been found.
The crowd-funding page supporting the search for Warwaruk had raised more than $8,500 by mid-afternoon on Tuesday.
“We pray he is found soon. The aim of this fund is to cover any costs related to the rescue mission. Anything in excess will go toward Search & Rescue. The help, support, and prayers we have and are continuing to receive have been great, and words can’t express our gratitude,” the page read.
Saskatoon Search and Rescue said on Facebook Tuesday that the ground search for Warwaruk had been suspended, but that searches were continuing by air and water.
“Incredible show of support
yesterday (and continuing today) for this young man’s family. Our members were honoured to work with and beside them as we spent the day searching along the river. Thanks to all the family, friends and community members of his hometown of #Outlook who came out not only to help search but to provide endless amounts of food and refreshment for the searchers,” the organization wrote online.
Warwaruk’s family members, who were observing search efforts from the Fred Heal canoe launch by Beaver Creek on Monday, said they did not wish to speak with media.
Searchers have said good weather and low water levels are helping, but fast-moving water and steep river banks in some areas are making things challenging.