Police found the 70-year-old man in the water after his catamaran capsized.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Penticton RCMP
August 21, 2020 - 6:00 PM
Two RCMP members were in the right place at the right time when they came across a boater in distress on Aug. 8.
Two reserve constables were on the water to make sure boats had the proper safety equipment and proper licensing when they spotted a capsized catamaran.
While Reserve Const. Kate Hansen and Reserve Const. Cal Demerais were patrolling the lake, winds picked up and the water became choppy. When they got to the catamaran, theft found no one around the boat. They scanned the area and noticed a man in the water in the distance. They drove the police boat towards the individual in the water, and found the 70-year-old man was the operator of the capsized catamaran. The rough waters and the current of the lake had pulled the man away from his vessel.
The man was pulled from the water and the police took him back to the catamaran. One of the constables had previous training as a marine operator, and the pair were able to turn the catamaran right side up and get the owner back on his boat.
“I am grateful to have had Cal with me during this incident as he made the task almost seem routine, which is a testament to his experience on the water and as a police officer, even if retired. His quick and accurate actions no doubt prevented what could have been a tragic situation,” Hansen said in a media release.
The B.C. RCMP reminds people to take caution when enjoying some time on the water. They urge boat owners to keep appropriate safety equipment on board, stay aware of their surroundings and to wear a life jacket. RCMP also reminds boats that water conditions can change quickly and to be sure you are with an experienced boater.
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