Vancouver Island Man Shot While Golfing in Rare Stray Bullet Incident
A 60-year-old man from Ladysmith is recovering after being struck by a stray bullet while enjoying a round of golf on Vancouver Island—an incident that shows how quickly an everyday activity can turn into a medical emergency.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, the incident occurred on August 31 at Winchelsea View Golf Course in Lantzville. The man had just finished his round when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his lower calf and soon realized he had been injured.
Golfers Step In With First Aid
Police say a group of nearby golfers immediately came to the man’s aid and applied basic first aid at the scene. Their quick response helped stabilize the situation before the injured golfer sought further medical attention.
The man then drove himself to the hospital in Ladysmith, where X-rays confirmed that a bullet had lodged in his calf. Thankfully, the injury was not life-threatening.
RCMP Believe Shooting Was Accidental
Investigators believe the bullet may have come from someone conducting target practice in a nearby rural area. Residents reported hearing sporadic gunshots throughout the day.
Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP stated there is no indication the man was targeted.
“There is nothing to indicate the male was targeted, and his injury may have resulted from an individual or others target practising in the adjacent rural area,” O’Brien said.
Police also reminded the public that discharging a firearm within 100 metres of any building is illegal and emphasized the importance of knowing what lies beyond a target.
Details of the incident were originally reported by the Vancouver Sun and can be read in full here:
👉 Vancouver Island man shot while golfing
Why First Aid Training Is So Important
This rare incident highlights the value of immediate first aid in traumatic injury situations, especially when emergency services are not immediately available. Knowing how to control bleeding and respond calmly can make a critical difference.
Learning these skills through certified first aid training can prepare bystanders to act confidently in unexpected emergencies. Courses that cover bleeding control, CPR, and AED use are especially valuable in public and recreational settings.
Police say the man is expected to make a full recovery.
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