07/23/2026
Smoke on Okanagan Lake is a good reminder that even if you know the lake well, conditions can change fast.
One thing I see all the time is people heading out on paddleboards without the required Transport Canada safety equipment. It only takes a couple of minutes to grab before you launch, but it could save your life—or at the very least save you from an expensive ticket.
Before you paddle, make sure you have:
🟠 A Canadian-approved PFD or life jacket
🟠 A whistle or other sound-signalling device
🟠 A buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres long (if your PFD isn’t being worn)
🟠 A watertight flashlight if you’re paddling in low light or after sunset
And one more thing that’s just as important: stay inside the buoyed swimming areas or close to shore whenever possible. Boats often can’t see a paddleboard from a distance, especially when the lake is busy or smoke is limiting visibility.
The Okanagan is an incredible place to spend the summer. Let’s all do our part to keep it safe so everyone makes it home.
