Peachland man called a hero for saving capsized kayaker

KELOWNA – A West Kelowna man barely escaped with his life after his kayak overturned about 30 feet offshore in Peachland yesterday afternoon, April 25.

The 50-year-old man was not wearing a life jacket and was struggling when his faint cries for help were heard by a passing Peachland resident.

“The man, who is being considered a hero, spotted the kayaker struggling to stay above the water’s surface and plunged into the frigid waters of the lake to help,” RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a news release. “The passerby successfully pulled the kayaker to shore, saving his life.”

The kayaker was taken to hospital by B.C. Emergency Health Services for treatment for exposure to the cold water.

The incident happened just after 1:30 p.m. in the 4000 block of Beach Avenue.

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