General Water Safety
As with any outdoor activity, a little planning goes a long way. Create a trip plan and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Pack essentials such as lifejackets, sunscreen, drinking water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Water conditions can change quickly, so stay alert, watch for shifting weather, and be mindful of cold-water risks, even on warm days. Putting on a lifejacket before entering the water or boarding a vessel is strongly encouraged, as emergencies can happen quickly.
Boating Safety
Whether you’re behind the wheel or along for the ride, safe boating practices are essential. According to Boating BC, key steps to safer boating include wearing a properly fitted, Canadian-approved lifejacket, never boating while impaired, and ensuring operators have the appropriate training and certification. Being prepared with enough fuel, required safety gear, and a shared trip plan helps reduce risks. Cold water can be dangerous at any time of year, so understanding its effects is important for all motorized and non-motorized activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and personal watercraft use.
Additional boating safety resources include:
Invasive Species Prevention
Protecting Kelowna’s lakes from invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels is a shared responsibility. Follow the Clean, Drain, Dry steps before moving between waterways: remove plants and debris, drain all water-holding compartments on dry land, and allow equipment to dry completely.
Learn more from:
Enjoy Kelowna’s lakes responsibly and help preserve these beautiful waters for future visitors and locals alike.
