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Trail, B.C., drowning not at polar bear swim: official

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 2, 2008 | 4:42 PM PT

CBC News

The fire chief in Trail, B.C., said Wednesday a drowning on New Year's Day did not happen at the annual polar bear swim.

Gary Johnson said 44-year-old Randall Joseph Skublen took part in the event with about 115 other people.

Johnson said the man then walked upstream, jumped into some rapids, and was swept away by the current.

"The drowning did not occur in the same beach that the polar bear swim took place," Johnson told CBC News.

"The drowning took place upstream from it in an area that has rocks and a lot of current to it. Where the actual polar bear swim took place is at a very calm, sandy beach."

Skublen's body was recovered a few hours later after what Johnson described as a dangerous and difficult rescue attempt.

Police said they continue to investigate why Skublen re-entered the water in an area known for strong currents.

This story is now closed to commenting.

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Trail, B.C., man dies at polar bear swim

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