Man presumed drowned after tubing accident in B.C.

People parasail on Okanagan Lake as motorists travel over the William R. Bennett Bridge, in Kelowna, B.C., on Saturday, May 30, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Police say a 45-year-old man is presumed drowned after a tubing accident in British Columbia’s Okanagan region.

A statement from the West Kelowna RCMP says officers were called to reports that a man was missing after a boating incident on Okanagan Lake just before noon on Saturday, July 11.

Investigators say the man was being towed behind a boat on an inflatable tube when he was thrown into the water.

“The man was not wearing a personal flotation device and began to struggle in the water,” the statement said.

According to police, the boat operator jumped into the lake to try to rescue the man but was unable to reach him “and subsequently required rescue themselves by a nearby boater.”

An RCMP dive team has been deployed to recover the man, police said Monday.

“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly recreational activities on the water can turn into an emergency,” Cpl. Devon Gerrits said in the statement.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the man’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We also want to remind everyone enjoying our lakes this summer to always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.”

At least 32 people have drowned in B.C. waters in 2026, according to statistics shared by the Lifesaving Society of B.C. and the Yukon.

The incident Saturday is the second reported drowning in Okanagan Lake in the past month after an American kayaker capsized in windy conditions near the Westbank First Nation on June 19.

The victim in that incident was not wearing a flotation device either, police reported.

The RCMP says the investigation into the latest incident remains ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.