Fatal kayaking incident highlights water safety concerns across region

A fatal kayaking incident on Okanagan Lake is serving as a stark reminder for the Okanagan region as hot weather brings more people onto the water.

West Kelowna RCMP say two kayakers capsized Friday evening near Westbank First Nation Beach in the 2100-block of Boucherie Rd. after encountering sudden wind conditions. Both attempted to swim to shore, but one kayaker went under the water and did not resurface.

Police were called at about 7:13 p.m. Frontline officers first arrived by civilian vessel and began searching the area, while West Kelowna RCMP and Peachland Fire Rescue launched boats. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue was then called in and, after several hours of searching, located and recovered the missing kayaker. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP say neither kayaker was wearing a personal flotation device. The second kayaker was located and accounted for, and victim services attended to support those affected. The deceased has been identified as a United States citizen. Efforts are ongoing to notify next of kin. The BC Coroners Service is also investigating.