Man drowned in Whiteways Pond in Torbay

A man drownedin aTorbaypond Wednesday afternoon, making it the fifth drowning incident in the province within a week.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said someone called about a drowning in Whiteways Pond. The TorbayVolunteer Fire Department andSt. John's Regional Fire Departmentwere also called.

"A couple bystanders said they saw him in the water just a few minutes before we arrived," said TorbayFire Chief MikeMcGrath, adding that he could not confirm the condition of the person taken out of the water at that time.

McGrath said his crews arrived around 3:10 p.m.

The cold water rescue team in St. John's arrived and took someone out of the water.

TorbayCoun.Justin Martin offered his condolences on Twitter Wednesday evening to family and friends of the victim and "also comfort for all the first responders that responded to this call."

The area is known locally to be a popular swimming spot in the warmer summer months, but Torbay Mayor Craig Scott said the pond is not a designated swimming area.

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