Quickly changing weather conditions has led to the death of an United States resident on Okanagan Lake.
On Friday, June 19 around 7:13 p.m., West Kelowna RCMP received reports that a kayak had capsized with two people in it near Westbank First Nation Beach, in the 2100-block of Boucherie Road. The kayak capsized after sudden windy conditions, according to RCMP.
Both individuals attempted to swim to shore, but one kayaker went under the water and never resurfaced.
First responding officers arrived at the scene and boarded a nearby civilian’s boat to begin search efforts. Other RCMP officers joined with the detachment’s boat, along with Peachland Fire Rescue, who was also on the water with their own vessel.
The second kayaker was quickly found by officers.
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) was called to the scene to help find the drowned kayaker. After several hours of searching, the missing kayaker was found and recovered, but pronounced dead at the scene.
Both RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are investigating the scene. Efforts are ongoing to notify their next of kin. Victim services also attended to support those affected.
It was also discovered that neither kayaker were wearing life jackets or personal flotation devices.
“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions can change on Okanagan Lake,” said West Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Const. Ash Puri. “Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death. We urge all boaters and paddlers to take that simple step every time they’re on the water.”
The RCMP want to remind all watercraft users that personal flotation devices are required by law and increases changes of survival in an emergency.
“Conditions on Okanagan Lake can change rapidly, and all users are encouraged to wear an approved life jacket at all times,” stated the RCMP.