Police have confirmed a 67-year-old man died during the annual Swim Across the Lake event.
West Kelowna RCMP were notified of a drowning on Okanagan Lake at approximately 10:26 a.m. Saturday.
The man began the swim from West Kelowna at 7:50 a.m. and was intending to finish at Hot Sands Beach in Kelowna City Park.
At approximately 9:50 a.m., another participant found the man unresponsive in the water and, with the help of a paddleboarder, brought him to shore at Tugboat Beach.
RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services responded, but despite life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced dead.
“This is an incredibly tragic reminder of just how fast environmental conditions can turn recreational activities into an emergency situation,” said Const. Ginny Folster of West Kelowna RCMP in a news release.
Police said the man was wearing a participant identification bracelet provided by event organizers, allowing officers to confirm his identity. His family has been notified.
“We extend our most sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” Folster said.
Okanagan Lake has been British Columbia’s deadliest lake in recent years. The Lifesaving Society of B.C. and Yukon reports more than 30 people have drowned in the province so far this year.
National Drowning Prevention Week runs from Sunday through July 25.
