Search underway for missing swimmer in South Saskatchewan

A search is underway for a 17-year-old boy who went swimming in the South Saskatchewan River Sunday.

Witnesses confirmed the youth went missing from the beach at Fred Heal canoe launch, around 12 kilometres south of Saskatoon.

In a news release, RCMP said they were notified at 8:45 p.m. July 16.

RCMP, Saskatoon police and the city fire department all have resources on scene and are continuing to search the water and surrounding area.

Search Manager Kim Audette told 650 CKOM that 60 search-and-rescue-volunteers were assisting with the search.

Audette said ground search volunteers started at 8 a.m. Monday, but shoreline cliffs were adding a layer of difficulty.

Members of the teen’s church came from one hour south of Saskatoon to provide lunch for the search party.

Crews coming and going from staging area. Search for 17-year-old boy at Fred Heal Canoe Launch reaching 16 hours. #yxe pic.twitter.com/3HshFad4RQ

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) July 17, 2017