Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) will be conducting a joint boat training exercise this weekend on Kalamalka Lake, in the same area where past searches have taken place, including the one for Robert Bains.
The exercise Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 from 9am to 5pm will showcase the combined capabilities of the two teams, with a dozen SAR members participating. Teams will be sharing best practises and demonstrating underwater search techniques using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and other marine rescue protocols.
This training marks the start of a busy SAR season, and the joint effort reflects the close partnership between VSAR and COSAR, who last collaborated on the Reid Creek search. The day will focus on sharing best practices and enhancing joint operational readiness.
“Okanagan Lake is the deadliest in B.C.,” says COSAR Boat Team Lead Mitch LaRue, noting 29 deaths in the past decade. There have been 8 drowning on Kalamalka Lake alone. Combined, the two lakes see approximately four drownings per year.
