Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Kelowna RCMP
By Vernon Matters Staff
RCMP launch drowning prevention campaign

Okanagan Lake deaths spark safety reminder

Jul 15, 2026 | 11:03 AM

National Drowning Prevention Week gets underway Sunday, and Kelowna RCMP is kicking off the campaign at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park.

The reminder comes after three deaths on Okanagan Lake in less than three weeks, including a July 6th incident near Mushroom Beach where a person later died after being taken to hospital.

RCMP say wearing a lifejacket, staying sober and being prepared can help prevent more tragedies on the water.

View Comments

Other Matters

Bucked Off
Two horseback riders injured in trail rescue
Two horseback riders were taken to hospital Tuesday after being thrown from their horses on trails off June Springs Road near Kelowna.Central Okanagan Search and Rescue said the incident happened around 11 a.m. when the horses were startled by mountain bikers riding downhill on the multi-use trail network.The riders' c...
9m ago
Read More
RCMP launch drowning prevention campaign
Okanagan Lake deaths spark safety reminder
National Drowning Prevention Week gets underway Sunday, and Kelowna RCMP is kicking off the campaign at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park.The reminder comes after three deaths on Okanagan Lake in less than three weeks, including a July 6th incident near Mushroom Beach where a person later died after being taken to hospital.RCMP sa...
22m ago
Read More
Hospice Society Fundraiser
50/50 raffle launched to support end-of-life care services
North Okanagan residents have a chance to win some money while supporting end-of-life care in the region.The North Okanagan Hospice Society (NOHS) has opened sales of its 50/50 raffle tickets. The winner could take home up to $10,000.The funds from the raffle would also go to support NOHS programs, including caring for...
1h ago
Read More
opting out
Kelowna starts process to divorce from regional development
Kelowna city council has voted narrowly to effectively divorce itself from a long-standing economic development model with its regional neighbours.The city started the process towards implementing an independent in-house model. That could take anywhere between a few months and 18 months.Kelowna contributes nearly 70 pe...
5h ago
Read More
Election 2026
Kelowna businesswoman runs for city council
A Kelowna businesswoman will throw her hat into the ring for city council.Teresa May announced she would run in the 2026 municipal election.She said her focus will be on safer neighbourhoods, responsible growth and supporting local businesses.In a media release, May said after decades of serving Kelowna through volunte...
17h ago
Read More
Missing For Four Days
Missing boater found deceased in Mara Lake
The body of a missing boater in the Shuswap was located Tuesday.Police said the man's body was recovered from Mara Lake July 14 by the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) and RCMP National Underwater Recovery Training Centre (NURTC).The man was reported missing July 10 by a group of friends he had been boating with aft...
19h ago
Read More
Costs Rising
Kelowna's transit costs set to rise by nearly $2 million
Kelowna taxpayers will see the city's share of regional transit costs increase by about $1.92 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year.The increase covers Kelowna's portion of the Kelowna Regional Transit Service, which provides conventional and custom transit across the Central Okanagan.The city's transit contribution rose ...
21h ago
Read More
Broker fined $28K
Kelowna deal tied to mortgage broker fine
A B.C. mortgage broker has agreed to pay more than $28,000 after admitting to disclosure issues in three Okanagan real estate transactions. Alan James Fetterly entered into a consent order with the B.C. Financial Services Authority, including a case involving a Kelowna property. The regulator says key information was n...
22h ago
Read More
Prestigious Pageant
Vernon's Samantha Sewell named Miss Canada World International
A Vernonite will represent the nation at the Miss World International pageant next summer. Samantha Sewell was named Miss Canada World International 2027 and will participate in the televised five-day event in Miami, Florida.Sewell said the global stage will serve as an ultimate triumph over adversity.The Vernon reside...
22h ago
Read More

What Matters

Hospice Society Fundraiser
50/50 raffle launched to support end-of-life care services
1h ago
Missing For Four Days
Missing boater found deceased in Mara Lake
19h ago
Hole in One
Charity golf tournament raised $47K for local groups
23h ago
Election 2026
Teresa Durning seeking reelection with Stronger Vernon campaign
23h ago
Water Shortage
RDNO wants operators to seek water transfers as some have service shut off
Jul 13, 2026