After a four year run of no drownings, Lake Tapps claimed another life over the weekend.

On Sunday around 6:52 p.m., a 22-year old man and a friend left their group to swim to the red buoys marking the swim area, said Bonney Lake police officer Daron Wolschleger. When the woman reached the buoys, she turned around to see the man struggling and slip under.

Bonney Lake police already had their boat in the water and began searching the surface.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Department then arrived on the scene with two divers while East Pierce also arrived with their boat.

Divers found the man approximately 20 to 25 minutes after he disappeared, Wolschleger said.

First responders performed CPR as the victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he later died that night.

“The lake can be deceptively cold. It saps people’s energy and strength really quickly,” East Pierce Assistant Chief Russ McCallion said after the incident. “People should always swim together, wear lifejackets when they’re on the water, and be aware that the water can be cold and deadly.”