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Paddleboarder missing on Okanagan Lake

Sep 23
2 min read

Updated: Sep 24



UPDATE: September 23 2026 1055 am - RCMP confirm search for missing paddleboarder continues


Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and Vernon Search and Rescue are continuing the search for a missing paddleboarder on Okanagan Lake.


Police say they were notified just before 7 p.m. Tuesday of a marine incident between Fintry Provincial Park and Carr’s Landing.


Vernon Search and Rescue boat Craft Legacy on Okanagan Lake early Wednesday  searching for missing paddleboarder
Vernon Search and Rescue Craft Legacy searching Okanagan Lake late Tuesday evening

A man and a woman were in distress on paddleboards. A Kelowna Fire Rescue boat rescued the woman from the water.


The man was not located.VSAR crews deployed to the area and are continuing to search the water and surrounding shoreline.



UPDATE: September 23 2026 10:30 am - Search teams from Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) are back on Okanagan Lake today continuing the search for a paddleboarder that went missing early Tuesday evening off Fintry.


A multi-agency search is underway on Okanagan Lake.



September 23, 2026, 1 AM - 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.


Emergency responders stationed along Okanagan Lake during search for missing Paddleboarder

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.


BC Ambulance and West Kelowna Fire  vehicle stationed at Fintry boat launch during search for missing paddleboarder

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



 
 
 

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