Safety concerns raised about Paddlewheel and Hurlburt beaches

Following a near miss at Hurlburt Park on Okanagan Lake this summer, Vernon’s mayor is calling for an upgraded cable buoy system for the beach area.

“A boat nearly ran over a young boy who was swimming just off the beach,” said Victor Cumming.

The cable system that links the buoys at surface level prevents boats from entering the swimming area. Buoys in use at most Greater Vernon swim beaches are anchored on the lake bottom but not joined.

Part of Paddlewheel Beach is using the cable buoys near the boat launch area, but not across the entire beach front.

“Some boaters like to beach their boats there, creating a safety issue,” said Cumming. “With the volume of boats using the launch there are always some with mechanical issues, and they drift toward the beach. The cable system stops the boats from entering the swim area.”

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City staff have been instructed to work with Transport Canada, which has sole responsibility for decisions regarding lake activities and the Okanagan Landing Association, about extending the cable buoys across the entire beach.

An application to Transport Canada was already underway for Hurlburt Park, which may have to be modified.

Staff will also report on potential cost implications.