The RCMP says it is investigating after a fatal drowning on Okanagan Lake Friday.
Police were called to the area near Westbank First Nation Beach, located on Boucherie Road near Carrall in West Kelowna, shortly after 7 p.m., after reports of two kayakers capsizing.
The kayakers tried to swim to shore, police say, but one went under the water and didn’t resurface.
“Frontline officers responded immediately, boarding a nearby civilian vessel to begin search efforts,” Mounties said in a news release.
“West Kelowna RCMP members deployed the detachment boat, while Peachland Fire Rescue also assisted with a vessel.”
Crews quickly located the surviving kayaker.
After several hours of searching, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue found and recovered the missing kayaker, who was pronounced dead at the scene, police say.
Police say the deceased was an American citizen.
Neither kayaker had been wearing a life jacket, which Const. Ash Puri says is a tragic reminder.
“Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death,” Puri said.
“We urge all boaters and paddlers to take that simple step every time they’re on the water.”