Recovery operation underway for swimmer presumed drowned

Photo: Contributed

RCMP divers searching for a presumed drowned man near Squally Point

Operations are underway to retrieve a body of a swimmer who has presumably drowned in Okanagan Lake near Peachland yesterday afternoon. 

On Aug. 1., around 2:40 p.m. West Kelowna RCMP responded to a call of a man who didn't resurface while cliff jumping near Rattlesnake Island on Okanagan Lake. 

Members of the public attempted to locate the 33-year-old Alberta man but were unsuccessful.

RCMP, Peachland Fire and Rescue and members of the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue were on scene. Lt. John Fleishman of Naramata Fire tells Castanet they were first on scene with their boat and spent two hours looking as well. 

Despite the extensive search, crews were unable to locate the man, who is now presumed drowned.

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team is at the location Sunday attempting to locate the body.

“For the safety of our divers and the entire search team, we request that boaters remain away from the area while we complete our search,“ says Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy. 

“At this time, we are unable to estimate how long this operation will be ongoing."

Investigators do not believe criminality was involved in this incident and the BC Coroners Service have been notified.