Man drowns while trying to help someone in Wood Lake

A man drowned in Wood Lake this weekend while trying to help another person in the water.

Kelowna and Lake Country police officers responded to a report of a drowning on Wood Lake, July 16, at roughly 7:30 p.m.

The RCMP's preliminary investigation shows the man drowned while trying to assist another person in the water. Witnesses reported that boaters found two men in distress, according to the RCMP in a news release.

One man was rescued with a life jacket but the second man, who was brought back to the Oyama boat launch to meet first responders, died. The B.C. Coroner Services who attended the scene, have taken control of the investigation, according to the RCMP.

“We want to commend the people that assisted with the rescue efforts. Wearing and having easy access to life jackets made a significant difference in the outcome of this tragic event,” said Cpl. Judith Bertrand, media relations officer for the Kelowna Regional RCMP Detachment, in the press release.

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