Intoxicated while kayaking

Lake Country

2023-08-11 09:23 PDT

On August 5th, 2023, Lake Country RCMP received a report of two men in kayaks that were grossly intoxicated. According to the complainant, one of the males was passed out in his kayak, so they brought him to the shore. His friend attempted to intervene, and fell off his kayak, and several more times as he tried to get to shore.

A short time later, both men went back out into Wood Lake, and then onto Kalamalka Lake. The men beached at Pioneer Park in Oyama, where frontline officers were waiting.

Intoxicated while kayaking

As they were staggering towards their car carrying their kayaks, officers moved in and arrested them both for being impaired while operating a conveyance, in addition to being intoxicated in a public place Officers observed the men staggering and swearing as they tried to bring their kayaks ashore. Both were transported to Kelowna City cells for their safety, and allowed to sober up there.

Upon their release, they were issued Violation Tickets for being Intoxicated in a Public Place.

This is an example of how to not enjoy the sun and lakes of the Okanagan, says Cpl. Ryder Birtwistle, of the Lake Country RCMP. Both men were fortunate to not have fallen off their boats in either lake, as they were not wearing life-jackets that were on board.

The Lake Country RCMP wants to remind the boating public that drinking alcohol while boating is dangerous, and illegal. Fines may be issued like having open liquor in a vehicle, or in extreme case, result in being arrested.

Released by

Cpl. James Grandy

District Advisory NCO (Media Relations)
Southeast District
Office: 250-460-2398

Email: james.grandy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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