RCMP are investigating after a 16-year-old from Pennsylvania died after an apparent drowning at North Vancouver's Lynn Canyon Park Friday afternoon.

Const. Brett Cunningham with North Vancouver RCMP says the teen was swimming with friends around 4 p.m. when he ran into trouble.

The group was in the water near Twin Falls, a popular swimming spot.  Police say there are signs posted to discourage people from swimming in the area because of the fast-moving water.

"The current was too strong and pulled him under," said Cunningham. "He was under water for approximately two minutes when his friends called for help."

Visiting from U.S.

He said bystanders came to help and pulled the teen from the water. Fire and ambulance crews arrived and took the youth to Lions Gate hospital where he died.

Police do not suspect drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident.  

Cunningham says the youth was visiting Vancouver from Pennsylvania with his siblings. 

"We recognize that the family is mourning the loss of their son and we're continuing to work at this point with parks and the district as well as fire and rescue to prevent these incidents from occurring," Cunningham said.

"This high risk behaviour continues in spite of these cautionary signs and fences that are posted at the park and the district."