Paddleboarder missing on Okanagan Lake

A multi-agency search is underway on Okanagan Lake.

September 23, 2026 - Two paddleboarders were unable to reach shore as darkness fell on Okanagan Lake Tuesday evening.

The call for help came in shortly before 8 p.m.

One person was rescued. At time of publication, the second remains missing.

The search has been centered around Fintry.

RCMP, BC Ambulance, North Westside Fire Rescue marine units, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, and Vernon Search and Rescue all responded.

At least four vessels searched the lake for many hours, continuing well into the early morning.

A drone scanned the area from overhead. Ground teams from Vernon Search and Rescue worked the shoreline. Thermal cameras were used from both the water and the air.

Sunset in the area was about 7:00 p.m., and it was dark by around 7:30 p.m. Gusting winds were reported about 8:30 p.m.

It is not known whether wind or darkness played a part.

The circumstances that led to the incident have not been officially released.

Paddleboarder missing on Okanagan Lake