Police credit lifejackets for averting tragedy near Vernon

VERNON – It could have been a lot worse for a man and teen visiting from Calgary after they were thrown from their rented Sea-doos Friday night.

According to Vernon RCMP, the 40-year-old man and 15-year-old teen were hours overdue and nowhere to be found in rough waters with strong winds around 5 p.m. yesterday, July 22. The RCMP helicopter and Vernon Search and Rescue were called after the rental company from Okanagan Landing Road couldn't find the pair on their own, Sgt. Mike Moyer says.

The teen was picked up by a boat passing by and returned to shore and Vernon Search and Rescue found man in the middle of the lake. 

"Both were in the water for a minimum of three hours," Moyer says. "Both did not have serious injuries and both were wearing their life vests."

They were treated by ambulance and released. 

"Remember to wear a personal flotation device," Moyer says. "Tragedy can strike in an instant. Don't assume that you will have time to put a lifejacket."

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