Search continues as fundraising starts for missing swimmer

A fundraising page has been started to fund the search for a teen who went missing in the South Saskatchewan River over the weekend.

Justin Warwaruk, 17, went missing “after diving into the river,” while swimming at Beaver Creek Sunday night, according to a page posted on the youcaring.com crowdfunding site.

Family and friends from Outlook have since joined professional search crews to help look for the teen.

The fundraising page has set a $10,000 goal to help with the costs of the search, with any excess funds to be given to Saskatoon Search and Rescue.

The page had already raised $2,800 by 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Search Manager Kim Audette told 650 CKOM on Monday they had 60 volunteers assisting in efforts along the river, some of whom brought their own watercraft to help.

Planes and boats have been patrolling the river all the way into Saskatoon since 8:45 p.m. Sunday night. Divers, sonar and infrared technology is all being used to detect any sign of the teenager.

Warwaruk’s father, identified as Stephen by the fundraising page, has been joining the search parties.

His mother, Diana Warwaruk, has stayed at the canoe launch, looking out over the river and waiting for news