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By Liam Verster
Drowning Call-Out

One person rescued from Okanagan Lake Wednesday evening

Jan 8, 2026 | 12:12 PM

First responders were called out to a drowning rescue shortly after nightfall Wednesday.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) said it responded to Okanagan Lake near Paddlewheel Park for a distressed person in the water at around 5:40 p.m. Jan. 7.

“Upon arrival, crews located an individual in the water and initiated a coordinated rescue with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP,” the fire department said in a release.

“The individual was successfully rescued from the lake, and transported by B.C. EHS (Emergency Health Services) for further medical assessment.”

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