Boaters Watch Out, Weather Warning

The statement says:”A vigorous cold front is expected to sweep across the Interior on Friday. Strong southwest winds with gusts up to 60 km/h are expected ahead of the front on Friday afternoon. Stronger northerly winds with gusts up to 70 km/h or more are anticipated once the front passes on Friday evening.

Recreational boaters are encouraged to re-visit their boating plans for Friday afternoon and evening. Be prepared for strong and gusty winds. Consider anchorages or moorings protected from westerly and northerly winds.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.”

Vernon Search and Rescue spokesperson Trevor Honigman says boaters should “make sure their safety equipment is up to snuff, make sure that they’re following the small vessel regulations for safety gear. Pay attention and keep safe.”

Meanwhile, Honigman announced that Vernon SAR had acquired a 30-foot, specially-equipped boat for water rescues.

Honigman says teams are being trained and the vessel will be on Okanagan Lake all summer for any emergency calls.

“This new boat gives us the capability of going out in any weather, in any wind conditions and helping people throughout the area of the Okanagan Lake.”