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Police are investigating the fatal drowning of an American kayaker in B.C.’s Okanagan Lake on Friday evening.
West Kelowna RCMP received a report around 7:15 p.m. PT on June 19 of two kayakers capsizing near Westbank First Nation beach, off the 2100 block of Boucherie Road, according to an RCMP news release Tuesday.
The kayakers had run into “sudden wind conditions,” and both tried to swim to shore. Neither kayaker was wearing a life jacket, according to RCMP.
One kayaker went under water and didn’t surface, RCMP said.
Officers boarded a nearby civilian vessel to look for the kayaker, and West Kelowna RCMP and Peachland Fire Rescue also each deployed a vessel.
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue was also involved in the search and eventually located and recovered the missing kayaker.
“Despite all efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene,” RCMP said.
The B.C. Coroners Service is conducting a parallel investigation into the incident.
RCMP said the deceased has been identified as a U.S. citizen and they are still trying to notify the person’s next of kin.
“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions can change on Okanagan Lake,” said West Kelowna RCMP Const. Ash Puri in the release.
“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.”
RCMP reminded the public that all watercraft users are required by law to wear a personal flotation device, which they said “significantly increases chances of survival.”
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