Police are continuing their investigation into the fatal drowning of an American kayaker on Okanagan Lake late last week and have issued a “tragic reminder” following the incident. At approximately 7:13 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, West Kelowna RCMP received reports that two kayakers had capsized near Westbank First Nation Beach after encountering sudden wind conditions. “Both individuals attempted to swim to shore; however, one kayaker went under the water and did not resurface,” said police in an update on Tuesday, June 23. “Neither kayaker was wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.”

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 2 points 4 months ago

You need a type 1 lifejacket to help prevent drowning due to unconsciousness. Type 2 will also turn some people face up.
These aren't commonly used for general boating and watersports as they restrict movement.
But type 3 could at least keep you at the surface where hopefully someone close by sees you and gets your air holes out if the liquid.

  • source
  • parent