Lake Update: June 30th 2017
Happy Long Weekend Everyone!
UPDATE JULY 14 –
One Aqua Park and the swim platform went out yesterday! In addition, with the lake levels dropping the marina is on track to open Monday July 17th!
There’s been a lot of speculation and confusion about whether the use of motorized boats on Lake Okanagan is currently permitted. So to help you out, we’re sharing the most up to date information here for you.
Due to the rising lake waters in the region we have been advised by the strata office that the Marina, La Casa boat launch, and Fintry boat launch will remain closed until further notice . In addition the strata has noted that they will not be putting out their water trampoline this summer. Please see the update at the top of this post!
Closures are preemptive safety procedures. There may be debris in the water including objects that cannot be seen e.g buoys.
At this time boating is not recommended and low wake/no wake rules are in place. Please see the 2 helpful maps/documents below for more detailed information about low wake/no wake zones!
Water lovers are encouraged to try wake-free options to enjoy Okanagan Lake. Stand Up Paddleboards and Kayaks are perfect for exploring the lake and can be rented from us through Guest Services. Please call our guest services number on +1 250 542 0515 for more information on this. There are also many recreation and leisure activities open throughout the region. Hundreds of parks and trails offer great options for picnics or exploring nature.
Guests can watch for any changes/updates to be posted around the resort.
If you would like more information, please see the advice provided from the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
While lake levels in the Central Okanagan slowly decline, temperatures in the Okanagan quickly rise attracting water sports enthusiasts and visitors alike.
As boaters make plans to venture out on the lake, it’s important to remember that lake levels remain the highest seen in decades and some planning is necessary before heading out on the water.
A no wake, low wake, a guideline for respectful boating in the Okanagan has been created to raise awareness of boating practices during high water levels to minimize the erosion of vulnerable shoreline and damage of property in Kalamalka, Okanagan, Ellison/Duck and Wood lakes.
With some area lake levels being nearly 60 cm over full pool, below are some tips for boaters to ensure their safety and minimize further damage to the foreshore.
Know before you go. Find out which boat launches and fueling stations are open in the area. Most boat launches have been closed for safety reasons.
• Visit cordmergency.ca/map to view the 2017 Freshet Boating Wake Map No Wake to plan routes, familiarize where vulnerable shorelines are located and follow the wake zone guidelines.
• Low wake zones mean no hydroplaning… for now. It takes some effort to get the vessel off the water and results in damaging waves. Wake height should be no more than 30 centimetres (1 foot).
• Large and heavier boats create damaging waves even at low speeds. Extra caution is needed when cruising the lake. Keep in the centre whenever possible.
• Small and light boats should remain 300 metres from the shoreline whenever possible or travel in the centre of the lake when approaching vulnerable shorelines. Go “dead slow” when travelling within 300 metres of the shoreline.
• When operating at no-wake speed, trim the drive or outboard to allow the boat to proceed with smallest wake possible.
• Watch for debris and submerged docks.
Once lake levels reach a more reasonable levels, regular boating activities can resume.Sun worshippers are encouraged to try wake-free options to enjoy Central Okanagan lakes or the many recreation and leisure activities. Stand Up Paddleboards, kayaks and canoes are perfect for exploring the lakes and a number of beaches are open throughout the region. Hundreds of parks and trails offer great options for picnics or exploring nature.
For more information, visit www.cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates or call the information line at 250-469-8490.
