Boaters Urged To Avoid Vulnerable Areas - News Release #63
Boating is not recommended this weekend, but boaters choosing to access Okanagan Lake are urged to avoid several areas at risk due to high waters and wave action. The Emergency Operations Centre is asking boaters to avoid the following locations:
Peachland
- The entire downtown waterfront; specifically, Heritage Park to Buchanan
- All day use docks and wharfs (closed)
-
Princeton boat launch (closed)
West Kelowna
- Green Bay area
- Casa Loma area
- Pritchard Drive area
- Whitworth Road area
Lake Country
- Tween Lakes (canal) and entire Oyama isthmus area
- Carrs Landing
- Okanagan Centre
- Turtle Bay
Westside Road (RDCO)
- Wilson’s Landing
- Fintry area
-
Killiney Beach area
Kelowna
-
The entire waterfront between Poplar Point and Cedar Creek
Boating is not recommended due to unsafe conditions resulting from flooding and high water levels. Flooding has deposited significant debris in Okanagan Lake, including large trees and branches, making navigation on the lake hazardous.
Boat wakes can have significant impact on vulnerable properties and signage is being posted at boat launches and shared with private moorage organizations encouraging boaters to go slow and avoid causing wakes, particularly close to shore.
Boaters are reminded that they can be fined for operating a power-boat over 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore. Boaters who choose to disregard safety notifications may be also be fined.
Officials will be on the lake this weekend monitoring boaters and vulnerable areas.
Municipal and public safety crews continue to install flood mitigation works including sand bag walls, bladder dams and gabion barriers. The public is being asked to not touch these installations for their own safety and to ensure the continued protection of community infrastructure and property. Debris washed up on beaches should be left for the time being. Please do not remove logs and other wood material as it helps limit erosion caused by wave action. When the flood risk has passed, officials will provide notification of how the beach debris will be removed.
For current information on the status of boat launches, waterfront park and beach closures, please refer to local government websites (links below).
Emergency Support Services will be closed from Saturday, May 20 to Monday, May 22, reopening on Tuesday, May 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For urgent support service matters please call 250-469-8490.
Find information on flood preparation, including sand and sandbag locations, how to effectively build sandbag walls and secure docks at cordemergency.ca/beprepared.
Local Government Links:
