Boaters asked to be respectful of wake on Okanagan Lake

PENTICTON – While lake levels are declining on Okanagan Lake, historically high water levels remain as the region heads into the first long weekend of summer.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is asking boaters to be respectful while out on the water this holiday weekend.

The District reminds boaters in a media release to be aware of debris floating in Okanagan Lake, and take precautions to ensure their safety and minimize damage.

Submerged docks, dock materials and floating debris remains in the lake, and boat wakes should be kept low to avoid damage to exposed shorelines.

Boaters are advised to keep 300 metres from shore, and whenever possible stay in the centre of the lake.

When 300 metres or less from shore, boaters are advised to slow down to under five knots in order to reduce wake to the smallest amount possible.

The District has created a map showing the low wake zones for 300 metres from the shoreline for the foreshore of Summerland, Naramata, Indian Rock, North Beach and Three Mile Beach in Penticton.

The only boat launch open in the Regional District at this time is at the Penticton Marina.

Skaha and Osoyoos Lakes do not have flooding issues and can be used as normal.

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