Man who was swimming with friends, family drowns in Okanagan Lake: RCMP
A man who was spending the day at the lake with friends and family earlier this week drowned, B.C. Mounties say.
Police said they and paramedics were called at about 2 p.m. Monday about a 57-year-old man from the Lower Mainland who drowned in Okanagan Lake near Peachland.
Investigators said the man was swimming near 6 Street and Beach Avenue with friends and family. At some point, he reportedly jumped in the water on his own, but never resurfaced. It wasn't until about 30 minutes later that the man's disappearance was noticed.
Friends and family tried to look for the man but, after not finding him, contacted nearby lifeguards. The man was eventually found and lifeguards brought him to the surface to give life-saving measures.
Those attempts were unsuccessful and the man died at the scene.
"This is a sad time for family and friends of this gentleman and the RCMP are saddened by this unfortunate accident," said Const. Mike Della-Paolera in a news release.
DOZENS OF DROWNINGS EACH YEAR IN B.C.
According to the B.C. Injury Research and Prevention Unit, fatal drownings are the most common in the summer months.
In an emailed statement, the research institute said "an average of 75 people die a year in B.C. from drowning."
Dale Miller, executive director of Lifesaving Society B.C. and Yukon Branch, urges people to be prepared and get familiar with the water before jumping in.
"First and foremost is to really think about what you would do if something were to happen to someone you're with or yourself as well," he said.
"Do you have something to throw to someone? A rope or something like that? An inflatable even."
Even swimmers should take precautions, experts say. According to the Boating BC Association, it's estimated two out of every three victims know how to swim.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Tahmina Aziz
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.