Man drowns in Okanagan lake while trying to help another boat passenger

A man who was trying to help a boat passenger in an Okanagan lake over the weekend drowned, local Mounties say.

A man who was trying to help a boat passenger in an Okanagan lake over the weekend drowned, local Mounties say.

Kelowna RCMP said it was called Saturday at about 7:30 p.m. about a drowning on Wood Lake.

Witnesses told Mounties that several boaters found two men in distress. While one man was rescued with a life jacket, the other man died.

Police said their preliminary investigation revealed the man who died was trying to assist someone else in the water.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased man," said Cpl. Judith Bertrand in a news release.

"We want to commend the people that assisted with the rescue efforts. Wearing and having easy access to life jackets made a significant difference in the outcome of this tragic event."

Dale Miller, executive director of Lifesaving Society B.C. and Yukon Branch, told CTV News Vancouver Sunday there have been 15 drownings so far this year in B.C.