As the weather starts to get consistently warmer, boaters are excitingly flocking to Okanagan Lake to enjoy some time on the water.
While people are encouraged to get out and enjoy the lake, the Regional District of Central Okanagan is urging boaters to display “freshet boating etiquette.”
That means slowing down and keeping away from shore to protect the Okanagan Lake shoreline.
“Over the next several weeks while lake levels are high, we’d appreciate if boaters and personal watercraft users would keep their speed down when approaching or travelling near shorelines,” said Sandra Follack, emergency program coordinator.
“Reducing wake activity will help prevent shoreline erosion. Also, when out on the water please watch for potentially damaging floating debris that is carried into area lakes from faster flowing tributaries.”
Off the lake, the RDCO is advising any residents who live near creeks and streams to be prepared as they start to flow faster and water levels fluctuate.
Residents who have experienced flooding and high water in the past should have an emergency plan in place, as well as the tools and equipment to protect their properties from possible damage.
If you want to keep tabs on Okanagan Lake’s levels and Mission Creek’s outflow, check out KelownaNow’s annual lake level tracker.
It kicked off today and will be updated daily over the coming weeks as the freshet season progresses.
