Paddleboarders On Okanagan Lake Could Get Fined For Not Having A Life Jacket

Kelowna RCMP are warning that paddleboarders are subject to fines of $287.50 if they don’t have at least a life jacket or personal floatation device on board with them.

While it’s recommended they wear their life jackets, that’s not legally required.

“This lake has shown, even in recent weeks, how choppy and dangerous it can quickly become,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer for Kelowna RCMP, said in a news release. “You need to be prepared for this.”

If the paddleboarder is wearing their life jacket, they still need to have a “sound signalling device,” such as a whistle. If they’re not wearing their life jacket they need to have the whistle as well as a 15-metre buoyant rope in a throw bag.

Paddleboarders on the lake before sunrise, after sunset or when there is restricted visibility also have to be carrying a watertight flashlight.

RCMP patrolling the lake have found several paddleboards not following the rules even when they’re far from shore and in active boating areas.

“While conducting these checks, officers have been surprised by how many people are not only unaware of the requirements, but a lack of simple safety practices,” Della-Paolera said in the news release.

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