Kalamalka Lake (Image Credit: Vernon Matters)
Cliff Diving Death

Man dies while cliff diving near Vernon

Jun 22, 2020 | 3:03 PM

VERNON, B.C. — A Vernon man died after a cliff diving incident on Kalamalka Lake Sunday (June 21).

RCMP and other first responders were called to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park just after 4:00 p.m. for a report of a man who had jumped from a cliff but failed to re-surface from the water.

“Numerous citizens attempted to locate the male after he did not resurface, however were un-successful in doing so,” said RCMP Cst. Kelly Brett.

RCMP along with Vernon Search and Rescue were deployed to the area and conducted a search using an underwater camera.

The body of a 32-year-old Vernon man was recovered Monday (June 22) by the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.

“This is a tragic event for all those involved, including the citizens who attempted to locate the male in the water after he failed to re-surface,” said Brett. “Cliff diving, although a common occurrence seen on Kalamalka Lake, can be fatal and police are asking those who access the water’s edge to use caution and common sense so that everyone can stay safe and enjoy the coming summer months.”

RCMP will continue to work with the BC Coroners Service on an investigation into the death.