Former Victoria diving coach Trevor Palmatier has been arrested in Edmonton on charges relating to alleged sexual contact with a teenage diver when he worked in Greater Victoria.
Palmatier, 43, who has coached Olympic athletes, worked with Boardworks club at Saanich Commonwealth Place for close to a decade, leaving in 2007.
He has been charged with two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of procuring the sexual services of a person under 18, based on allegations involving a teenage male between 2004 and 2006.
Palmatier was arrested Wednesday by the Edmonton Police Child Protection Section. Saanich police began an investigation in early March, which led to Palmatier’s arrest.
The charges are based on information provided by one of two complainants who have come forward, Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie said.
Eassie said that sometimes young people in such situations might not realize right away what has taken place. “People think that they have a close relationship with someone, and they might not think there’s anything wrong until they grow up a little bit more and learn that what happened shouldn’t have happened.”
Palmatier is being returned to Victoria and will be scheduled for a court appearance.
Two-time Olympic diver Riley McCormick of Saanich, who has trained with Palmatier, said he has no involvement in the case but is “personally deeply saddened and profoundly affected by the reports I have read, and trust that none of this will reflect on Dive Canada or diving.
“I can say that this sadness and sense of loss is mercifully tempered by my absolute faith in Canada’s justice system,” McCormick said. Young athletes, he said, are “particularly vulnerable due to their tender years and the overwhelming power of their dreams.”
B.C. Diving president Rodd McCormick, Riley’s father, said Palmatier has been under investigation by Diving Canada since March, and was placed under interim suspension.
“As a result, Mr. Palmatier has not been involved in any club/association activities since then and has had no contact with any of our athletes.”
On Thursday, the suspension was extended indefinitely.
Rodd McCormick called news of the charges unsettling for the diving community, while noting that the case currently involves allegations. “Our utmost concern, as always, is with our athletes. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure their safety and well-being when they’re in our care.”
Palmatier has been based in Edmonton since 2008, where he has a business called Big Dog Diving. His profile on the Edmonton Diving Academy website notes that he has been Diving Canada’s Senior Coach of the Year and Sport B.C.’s Coach of the Year.
As the investigation continues, Saanich police encourage anyone with information to call its tip line at 250-475-4356.
