67-year-old drowns in Okanagan Lake throughout swimming occasion in Kelowna: RCMP

West Kelowna RCMP say a 67-year-old man drowned Saturday, whereas collaborating in a swimming occasion throughout Okanagan Lake.

Mounties say in a press release that the senior was taking part within the Across the Lake Swim, when one other participant discovered him unresponsive within the water at round 10 a.m., about two hours after the occasion began.

Police say the opposite participant and a paddle boarder pulled the person out of the water close to Tugboat Beach in Kelowna, B.C., however that makes an attempt by B.C. Ambulance Service crews to resuscitate him failed.

West Kelowna RCMP, which had been contacted concerning the drowning simply earlier than 10:30 a.m., say authorities had been in a position to establish the person by means of the wristband he wore as a part of the occasion.

Police say the investigation into the incident stays ongoing with the B.C. Coroner Service. 

RCMP Const. Ginny Folster says Saturday’s incident is a tragic reminder of simply how briskly environmental circumstances can flip leisure actions into an emergency scenario.

Organizers of Across the Lake Swim Kelowna say the open water swim occasion has been working since 1949.

Participants can participate in a 2.1-kilometre swim from West Kelowna to a seashore in downtown Kelowna, or a shorter 1.5-kilometre lengthy course.