A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of a teen who remains in critical condition after nearly drowning in Langford Lake over the weekend.
Keron McKay, the 17-year-old boy who was rescued from the water Saturday afternoon, is still in hospital suffering critical injuries, according to Nicola Lenton.
Lenton spoke with CHEK News Wednesday morning shortly after starting the fundraiser.
“It’s just a really sad situation for the family, for the city, for the school, everybody,” she said in an interview.
“It’s not good.”
She’s seeking $50,000 to support her co-worker, Phillip McKay, who’s a single father to Keron and four other children.
“Phillip’s a great dad. He looks after his kids, supports them, cares about them. He always has a smile on his face,” said Lenton.
“I am hoping to raise money to help him with medical costs, transportation, food and any other support that the family needs in this very trying time.”
READ PREVIOUS: Teen in critical condition after water rescue at Langford Lake
Saturday’s incident happened near the lake’s floating dock, just off Westhills Drive. BC Ambulance, West Shore RCMP, and Langford Fire were on scene around 2 p.m.
Mounties said several people pulled Keron from the water and administered life-saving measures until emergency crews arrived.
“There were many bystanders who acted quickly to help this young man,” said RCMP Insp. Stephen Rose earlier this week.
Chris Aubrey, Langford’s fire chief, told CHEK News his crew arrived via fire boat to find paramedics and RCMP on the swim dock performing CPR on Keron.
“(Keron) had a whole life to look forward to, and his family had a whole life with him to look forward to, and that’s tragically stopped,” said Lenton.
Police have not yet confirmed what led to the near-drowning.
Aubrey said it was an unfortunate incident that serves as a reminder of how dangerous bodies of water can be, and how fast a fun day can turn dark.
“There are times and opportunities for us to learn from it,” he said, adding that people should always swim or boat with another person.
He also urged people to brush up on their swimming skills and to never swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Additionally, the fire chief said those in boats or kayaks or on paddleboards should wear well-fitting personal floatation devices when out on the water.
“I know that they can be cumbersome, but they save lives,” said Aubrey.
He noted drownings are very rare in Langford, happening every four to five years, unlike at Thetis Lake, where such incidents are more commonly reported.
A link to the GoFundMe is here.
“Thank you in advance,” added Lenton.
“(Phillip) thanked us for the support. We definitely all came together as a workplace to help him out as we can.”
-with files from CHEK’s Mackenzie Read
Ethan Morneau
