By Pete McIntyre

Tragedy averted on Okanagan Lake

Jul 25, 2017 | 3:23 PM

KELOWNA, B.C. — Police say a tragedy was averted on Okanagan Lake.

Officers conducting boat patrols on Sunday located 12 and 13 year old boys in a rubber dinghy that was pushed into the middle of the lake by strong winds near Peachland.

“The pair were fishing together along the shoreline when sudden strong winds, gusting up to approximately 50 km/hr, pushed the boys into the middle of the lake, an estimated half a kilometer from the shore,” says Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

The youngsters were rescued by the RCMP vessel and taken back to the beach in Peachland, where their parents were notified of the mishap.

“Our officers took the time to discuss the peril the youths had placed themselves in,” says  O’Donaghey. “Those officers wanted to remind the public to ensure they are always prepared when they venture out on the water, that they wear proper life jackets, bring a sound signalling device or other means of communication, as well as carry a means of propulsion such as a paddle or oar if at all possible.”

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Who would survive if we had a recall law for City councils?

18m ago

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Strengthening our wildfire training

19h ago

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: City caught flat-footed with sale of The Loop drop-in property

Apr 17, 2024