Search for swimmer’s body in Okanagan Lake

An Alberta man is presumed to have drowned after cliff jumping on Okanagan Lake.

RCMP in West Kelowna responded to a call at 2:40 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 1) of a man who had not resurfaced while cliff jumping near Rattlesnake Island on Okanagan Lake.

People in the area had attempted to locate the 33-year-old Alberta man but were not able to find him.

RCMP, Peachland Fire and Rescue and members of the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue were on scene Saturday. Despite extensive efforts, they were unable to locate the man, and he is presumed to have drowned. Today, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team is at the location attempting to locate the man’s body.

“For the safety of our divers and the entire search team, we request that boaters remain away from the area while we complete our search,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “At this time, we unable to estimate how long this operation will be on-going.”

Police do not believe criminality was involved in the incident which the BC Coroners Service will investigate.

No further information is being released at this time.