Kelowna RCMP said the man drowned around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Wood Lake. His identity has not been released. Police responded to the incident after boaters reported two men “in distress” in the water. Police described the pair as “passengers” but did not say whether they were on a boat or another vessel. “The preliminary investigation indicates that the man drowned while trying to help another passenger in the water,” Corp Judith Bertrand said in a statement on Sunday. The Internal Health Authority, which oversees the region, had the highest rate of drownings in the province in 2019, according to the BC coroner’s office. Sunday marked the start of Canada Lifeguard’s National Drowning Prevention Week. In Saturday’s incident, the man who was successfully rescued was wearing a life jacket. “Having life jackets on and easily accessible made a significant difference in the outcome of this tragic event,” said Bertrand. Lake Wood, with a depth of 34 meters, is located just south of Lake Kalamalka. It is known as a popular trout fishing destination.
