A man died Saturday night on a lake north of Kelowna, BC, while apparently trying to help someone in the water, according to police.
The Kelowna RCMP said the man drowned around 7.30pm on Saturday in Wood Lake. His identity has not been revealed.
Police responded to the incident after sailors reported two men “in danger” in the water. Police described the couple as “passengers,” but did not specify whether they had been on a boat or other boat.
“Preliminary investigation indicates the man drowned trying to help another passenger in the water,” Judith Bertrand said in a statement Sunday.
The Home Health Authority, which oversees the region, had the highest drowning rate in the province in 2019, according to BC’s forensic service.
Sunday marked the start of Canada’s National Life-Saving Society Drowning Prevention Week.
In Saturday’s incident, the man who was successfully rescued was wearing a life jacket.
“Wearing and having easy access to life jackets made a significant difference in the outcome of this tragic event,” Bertrand said.
Lake Wood, with a depth of 34 meters, is located just south of Lake Kalamalka. It is known as a popular destination for trout fishing.