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Jun 23, 2026 4:59 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

U.S. Kayaker Dies After Capsizing on B.C.'s Okanagan Lake

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The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue team later recovered the missing person's body several hours after the incident.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A tragic boating accident on British Columbia's Okanagan Lake has claimed the life of an American kayaker after strong winds caused two people to capsize.

West Kelowna RCMP said the incident occurred Friday evening near the Westbank First Nation beach when two kayakers were caught in sudden and dangerous wind conditions on the lake. While attempting to swim back to shore, one of the kayakers disappeared underwater.

People on nearby boats quickly responded and managed to rescue one of the kayakers, but the second person could not be located.

The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue team later recovered the missing person's body several hours after the incident.

Police have confirmed that the deceased was a U.S. citizen. The victim's identity has not yet been released as authorities continue notifying next of kin.

Officials are reminding boaters and paddlers to check weather conditions carefully before heading onto the water, as strong winds on Okanagan Lake can develop rapidly and create dangerous situations.

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