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South Okanagan Photos

Man in canoe almost dies in Osoyoos Lake

osoyoos water forum2On 2013-06-18 at approximately 10:00pm the Osoyoos RCMP received a report of a suspicious male on Osoyoos Lake in a canoe.  The male was observed in the canoe approaching a moored pontoon boat near the White Sands Condos on Spartan Drive.

Approximately 20 minutes later further reports were received of someone possibly in distress on the water in front of Casa Del Lago on Cottonwood Drive.  Witnesses could vaguely see a canoe and could hear what sounded to be a person splashing and choking.  Osoyoos RCMP assisted by Anarchist Volunteer fire rescue member Joe SIMOES launched the Osoyoos RCMP vessel and searched the lake quickly locating an overturned canoe approximately 300 meters from the shore of Cottonwood Drive.  A male was then located approximately 30 meters from the canoe toward shore.  The 23 year old resident of Osoyoos was heavily intoxicated and had fallen from the canoe into the lake.  He was struggling as he was being weighed down by his wet clothing and a backpack.  Fortunately he had managed to get close enough to shore where he was able to touch bottom in neck high water or else the situation could have turned tragic for him.   The male claimed no responsibility for the canoe but instead chose to suggest he had simply gone for a walk in the lake.  Over the winter the Osoyoos RCMP vessel received several upgrades including high powered lights allowing for more nighttime patrols.  The search lights were a tremendous help in quickly locating the male.

With the arrival of summer the Osoyoos RCMP have dealt with an increase in several types of public disorder investigations.  Over the last week there were 8 noise / disturbance calls for service, 2 Liquor Act violations, and 3 minor thefts. Please be diligent with locking cars and securing valuables and report suspicious activity to Police.

The Osoyoos RCMP will be enhancing their patrols with extra members for the July long weekend.  On top of the regular patrols, the public will see members conducting foot patrols, bicycle patrols, atv patrols and boat patrols.  The Osoyoos RCMP would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Canada Day and remind the public to enjoy the weekend responsibly.

If you see crime happen call Crime Stoppers or your local detachment of the RCMP