UPDATE: 1 in hospital after group experiences paddle boarding difficulties on Okanagan Lake
Published 2:03 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026
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UPDATE 2:05 p.m.
Everyone is accounted for at the incident by Tugboat Beach on Thursday, Oct. 1, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang confirmed to Black Press Media.
Around 1 p.m., multiple RCMP units, ambulances, Kelowna Fire Department crews, and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue crews responded to a call for a group in distress in Okanagan Lake near Tugboat Beach.
According to Lang, the initial response was “significant” because ” initial information suggested a vessel may have capsized.”
However, upon arrival, it was determined that a group of individuals had been paddle boarding on Okanagan Lake and encountered difficulties a short distance from shore, said Lang.
One of the members of the group was stretched into an ambulance and taken to hospital.
“Fortunately, everyone involved was safely accounted for and received the care they needed,” said Lang. “With fall temperatures now upon us, conditions on the water can change quickly. Proper safety equipment and preparation remain essential, even close to shore.”
Original
First responders are gathered at Tugboat Beach tending to a person in distress on Okanagan Lake.
Crews were dispatched around 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.
According to a Black Press reporter at the scene, paramedics tended to one person at the beach who is now being stretchered into an ambulance.
Police and fire services can also be seen on the beach and around the waterfront. The RCMP had also deployed a boat on Okanagan Lake.
Two other civilians could also be seen at the scene talking to police.
Black Press Media had reached out to the Kelowna RCMP for more information.