The family of Travis Bauman is warning swimmers venturing into waterways around Manitoba to take extra care, especially around flowing bodies of water.
The Bauman family said the 17-year old loved sports, relished hard work and will be greatly missed.
Travis was swimming with his younger brother and a friend when he jumped in the diversion dam in the RM of Rhineland, Wednesday night, and never resurfaced.
On Saturday morning, RCMP said the teen's body was recovered late Friday night and the investigation is ongoing.
"Travis took life by the horns and ran with it. He was a very aggressive young man. He just enjoyed life to the fullest. Whatever the function was he dug his heels in and made the most it,” said his uncle, Tim Bauman, Saturday, not far from the creek where the teen drowned.
Josh Wagler, another uncle, said Travis' parents are very sad, but happy he is with Jesus in Heaven.
"It's a huge unexpected loss, but they are relieved that he's been found. They are grieving and very sad about the situation," said Wagler during a phone call from Horndean, Man., the community where Travis lived.
Confirmation of Travis’ death comes after an agonizing three-day search. Morden and Winkler fire departments along with the RCMP’s underwater recovery unit helped scour the water and tall grass.
It wasn’t until a private team of drivers from a Hutterite colony in Oak Bluff arrived Friday night, that Travis’ body was found about 70 meters downstream.
“Overwhelmed by the support that was there,” said Keith Bauman, another uncle, who drove from Ontario to help with the search.
READ MORE: RCMP search dam near Winkler for missing teen
READ MORE: Family of teen missing near dam thankful for search efforts
Keith said the family’s prayers were answered when people gathered along the creek bank, ladies sang about 20 minutes. Moments later, he said, Travis’ body was found.
Wagler said Travis' younger brother and friend who went swimming with him that day are taking his death hard.
"It's tragic. It's not something you expect. You go swimming with buddies and he doesn't come back up. They are pretty broken up," said Wagler.
Drowning deaths in Manitoba
According to the Lifesaving Society’s Manitoba branch, natural bodies of water account for the largest portion of drowning deaths in the province.
Drowning in rivers and streams make up 37 per cent of deaths, followed by lakes and ponds at 34 per cent, 11 per cent are in ditches, largely due to motor vehicle collisions. Drowning in pools make up 5 per cent of death, followed by bathtubs at 4 per cent. Other locations make up 9 per cent of deaths.
The Lifesaving Society said it's during the hot summer weather swimmers need to take extra care.
“Large numbers of people are flocking to the waterways to enjoy them, but tragically, they're not using the caution they need to, and understanding the dangers that are present, said CEO Carl Shier.
"Even the private divers that came in, when they went into the water they backed off, they said that it way too powerful, said Tim Bauman. “To all young people, whoever is swimming in these waters be careful."
Wagler said the family has received lots of support from around Manitoba and the United States.
He said the family is getting phone calls from people who have experienced similar losses, and appreciates the ongoing support.
