Oliver man drowns trying to rescue his dog in Osoyoos Lake

A man who tried to save his dog in Osoyoos Lake is presumed to have drowned yesterday.

The Osoyoos RCMP were alerted at around 8:29 p.m. Monday, July 25, when the 41-year-old Oliver man had not resurfaced after trying to rescue his dog, according to an RCMP media release.

Police said the man was in his surf boat along with a friend and his dogs. While playing fetch with his dogs, one became distressed so the man swam out to help. The man and the dog became distanced from the boat due to wind.

The friend saw the dog climb onto the man’s back and weigh him down.

“Tragically it appears the man lost his life, saving that of his dog,” the release said.

Officers, civilians and the man's friends searched until after dark. Officers and the Osoyoos firefighters resumed the search for several hours today to no avail.

“Sadly the man has not yet been located and this has now become a recovery mission," the release said.

The RCMP underwater recovery team is expected to arrive in Osoyoos early next week to continue the search for his body.

The man's identity hasn't been released.

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