RCMP reminding paddle boarders of their safety equipment requirements

August 7, 2025 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

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August 7, 2025

Kelowna RCMP have upped their enforcement initiatives on Okanagan Lake this summer, including the use of the RCMP’s West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) who completed a 4-day operation at the end of July.

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, officers from Kelowna and the West Coast Marine Services responded to a call regarding two paddle boarders stranded near the William R. Bennett Bridge during a high windstorm in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, police located the individuals clinging to a yellow buoy on the north side of the bridge. They were safely rescued from the water and brought to shore.

“We were fortunate that one of the paddle boarders was able to call 911 and that neither sustained injury, despite not being equipped with any safety gear, including lifejackets, said Cpl. Michael Gauthier with the Community Safety Unit. “The situation could have ended in tragedy.”

Transport Canada safety equipment requirements for paddle boards are outlined below. Requirements for other human-powered watercraft may vary slightly:

• One (1) life jacket for each person on board,
• One (1) buoyant heaving line at least 15m (49’3”) long,
• One (1) sound-signalling device or appliance (whistle),
• One (1) watertight flashlight (if the vessel is used after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility),
• *If everyone on board is wearing a life jacket or a PFD of appropriate size, you are only required to carry the sound signalling device and watertight flashlight (if the vessel is used after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility).

“Of the hundreds of paddle boarders we’ve stopped this summer, only about 10% are either wearing a life jacket or have them on board, and even less than that have a whistle in case of an emergency,” says Cpl. Gauthier. “Weather conditions on the lake can shift rapidly, turning a peaceful paddle into a sudden scramble for safety—or, in more serious cases, a rescue operation or subject to fines.”

For further information and details with respect to all other vessels, visit Safe Boating Guide.

Released by:

Cpl. Allison Konsmo – Media Relations Officer

Kelowna RCMP

1190 Richter St

Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K7

Office: 250-762-3300

Proxy e-mail: E_kelowna_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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