Kal Lake Boat Launches Closed; Boaters Asked To Slow Down on Ok Lake

The District of Coldstream has closed the three boat launches at the north end of Kalamalka Lake, until further notice.

It’s due to the high water levels, and the impact boat waves can have on lakeside properties.

Michael Baker, Director of Infrastructure with the District isn’t sure if the closures at Westkal, Kinloch and Kalvista will extend into the long weekend.

“At this stage, I can’t say. Right now the issue is the docks are actually under water,” Baker tells Kiss FM.

Boaters are also being asked to do their part to prevent flood damage to properties along Okanagan Lake.

The lake is at capacity, with more rain in the forecast the next few days.

“Boaters, wake-boarders and personal watercraft users can help minimize the risk by ensuring they are reducing speed near shore so as to prevent waves from damaging property,” says a City of Vernon release.

Transport Canada advises that anyone operating a power-driven boat in B.C. must adhere to a speed limit of 10 kilometres per hour within 30 metres of shore.

Photo: Kin Beach on Okanagan Lake, showing washed up debris (Tom Mark/Kiss FM)