Kelowna police warn after four Okanagan Lake drownings

Four separate fatal incidents occurred on Okanagan Lake in British Columbia during July 2026, prompting the Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) to issue renewed water‑safety warnings. The latest death, on July 11, involved a 45‑year‑old man thrown from an inflatable tow‑tube; three earlier deaths were recorded on July 6, June 29 and June 20, all involving young males who were not wearing lifejackets.

RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang announced a community launch event for National Drowning Prevention Week on July 19 at Boyce‑Gyro Park, offering six water‑safety tips, including sober recreation, swimming skills, proper licensing, life‑jacket use, pre‑launch preparation, and having a spotter when towing. Data from the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon show more than 30 drownings in the province so far this year, with Okanagan Lake now exceeding its historical average of three deaths per year, making it the deadliest lake in the province.