Overview
- Two kayaks capsized after a sudden wind picked up at about 7:13 p.m. on Friday, June 19, and both paddlers attempted to swim to shore.
- Local officers, a civilian boat, Peachland Fire Rescue and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue conducted hours-long searches before locating the missing paddler.
- Central Okanagan Search and Rescue recovered the person who was pronounced dead at the scene and police say the individual was a U.S. citizen; next-of-kin notification is underway.
- West Kelowna RCMP said neither kayaker was wearing a personal flotation device and issued a public warning that wearing a life-jacket can be lifesaving.
- The incident highlights how quickly wind conditions on Okanagan Lake can become hazardous and is likely to prompt renewed safety outreach and enforcement of life-jacket rules.