A sombre start to June has prompted renewed calls for water safety after two bodies were recovered from Okanagan Lake in separate incidents just days apart.
On June 2, Âé¶čAV RCMP responded to reports of a body in the water near City Park. Officers arrived around 7:45 a.m. and a scuba team was brought in to assist with the recovery. By early afternoon, the body of a man had been pulled from the lake. Police have not released the manâs identity, but confirmed that no foul play is suspected.
Two days earlier, on May 31, the body of woman was recovered from the lake near Vernon. That individual has also not been publicly identified, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Âé¶čAV RCMP issued a media release on Tuesday (June 1) urging âvigilance on Okanagan lakes and rivers.â
"The beauty of our lakes and rivers can sometimes mask inherent dangers," said Cpl. Allison Konsmo with Âé¶čAV RCMP. "We urge everyone to make water safety a top priority this season by following simple, yet critical, guidelines."
Here are some key reminders for staying safe on and around the water this summer:
- Always wear a properly fitted, Canadian-approved life jacket or PFD (personal flotation device), even if you're a strong swimmer;
- Designate a responsible adult to keep constant watch over kids near water;
- Always swim with a buddyâaccidents can happen even to experienced swimmers;
- Cold water can sap your strength quickly. Even on hot days, the lake can be cold enough to cause gasping and loss of muscle control;
- Impaired judgment due to alcohol and drugs can cause slower reaction times and increase the risk of drowning;
- Visit the Interior Health or City of Âé¶čAV websites to check water advisories before swimming;
- Stay clear of dams and be alert for submerged logs or rocks.
âBy taking these simple precautions, we can all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable summer on the water,â Cpl Konsmo added.