New safety measures have been installed at the site where two boys drowned this summer in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Back in July, the provincial government shut down the Sturgeon Falls Trail after brothers Aaron Au Ramirez, 13, and Maximo Au Ramirez, 10, drowned on July 18. RCMP said Maximo slipped and fell on the rocks into the fast-moving water and Aaron jumped in after him to try and rescue him. Searchers found Maximo’s body on July 22, and Aaron’s body was found a day later. “Keeping Manitobans safe is a priority for our government and we moved quickly this summer to complete critical safety upgrades so that another family does not have to suffer this kind of heartbreak,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes in a news release. The safety upgrades include a fenced-off viewing area of the falls to prevent people from accessing the rocks, signage highlighting the dangers of the falls and warning people not to swim, and a new spot for people with canoes and kayaks to enter the water safely from the shore. “The new fencing, signage and portage have created safer spaces for families, visitors and paddlers to experience Sturgeon Falls while preserving the natural beauty that makes this area so special. These upgrades will help protect Manitobans and provide greater peace of mind for everyone who visits the site,” said Allison Baker-Thiessen, the owner of the nearby Nutimik Lodge, in a news release. Moyes said he is grateful for all the ideas from community members and local businesses that contributed to the enhanced safety measures. A spokesperson for the province said there is also an active review of all provincial parks to determine if more safety measures are needed.
