American Kayaker Drowns in Okanagan Lake After Sudden Wind Conditions, RCMP Say

Sarah Desjardins

6/24/20261 min read

Police are investigating after an American kayaker drowned in Okanagan Lake on Friday evening.

West Kelowna RCMP said officers received a report at around 7:15 p.m. on June 19 that two kayakers had capsized near Westbank First Nation beach, off the 2100 block of Boucherie Road.

According to police, the kayakers ran into sudden wind conditions while on the lake. Both tried to swim to shore after their kayaks overturned.

RCMP said neither kayaker was wearing a life jacket.

Search Launched After Kayaker Went Underwater

Police said one of the kayakers went underwater and did not resurface.

Officers boarded a nearby civilian vessel to help search for the missing person. West Kelowna RCMP and Peachland Fire Rescue also each deployed a vessel.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue joined the effort and eventually located and recovered the missing kayaker.

RCMP said the person was pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts.

Coroners Service Investigating

The B.C. Coroners Service is conducting a parallel investigation into the drowning.

RCMP said the deceased has been identified as a U.S. citizen. Police are still working to notify the person’s next of kin.

“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions can change on Okanagan Lake,” West Kelowna RCMP Const. Ash Puri said in a statement.

Police Urge Life Jacket Use

RCMP are reminding boaters and paddlers to wear a personal flotation device whenever they are on the water.

Puri said wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death.

Police said all watercraft users are required by law to wear a personal flotation device, which significantly increases the chances of survival in an emergency.

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