The public is urged to take extra care near the Okanagan River as water levels remain high.

With the summer season in full swing, the Okanagan River is a popular place to enjoy B.C.'s great outdoors. Visitors and residents are reminded that the Okanagan River's high water levels mean additional risks to public safety posed by a deep and fast flowing current.

Adults are urged to keep children and pets under close supervision at all times when near the banks of the river. If going into the river, take precautionary and safety measures such as using a safe watercraft and wearing a life jacket.

Run-off from this year's snowpack melt into Okanagan Lake has been well above normal and outflow from the lake into Okanagan River has been high for the past several weeks. Flows in Okanagan River between Okanagan Lake and Osoyoos Lake are currently over three times above normal and are expected to remain high throughout the summer.

Contact:

Des Anderson
Head, Public Safety and Protection
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 490-8200