One man is dead after a cliff jumping accident on Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream Sunday afternoon, June 21.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to Kal Lake Provincial Park just after 4 p.m. for a report of a man who had jumped from a cliff but did not resurface from the water.
“Numerous citizens attempted to locate the male after he did not resurface; however, were unsuccessful in doing so,” said RCMP media officer Const. Kelly Brett.
The RCMP and Vernon Search and Rescue responded to the area and searched for the man using an underwater camera.
The body of a 32-year-old Vernon man was recovered on Monday, June 22, by the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.
“This is a tragic event for all those involved,” Const. Brett said, including the bystanders who attempted to help.
“Cliff diving, although a common occurrence seen on Kalamalka Lake, can be fatal and police are asking those who access the water’s edge to use caution and common sense so that everyone can stay safe and enjoy the incoming summer months.”
Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) responded to Sunday’s incident with three boat crews from the Kalavista and Kekuli Bay boat launches, ground search members and the UTV team entered through Kalamalka Provincial Park.
VSAR extended its condolences to the family, friends and community of the Vernon man.
Cliff jumping is popular in the region and VSAR reminds the public of inherent dangers, including unknown objects below the water, ever-changing water conditions and depths and slippery conditions climbing to the diving point.
“Please be careful around all bodies of water, and take upmost care when enjoying the wilderness around us,” VSAR said in a social media post.
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