Kelowna police are asking boaters to give the western shore of Okanagan Lake a wide berth.

RCMP Const. Steve Holmes said police are requesting boaters not to venture past the middle of the lake towards the western shore. Holmes noted there are now waterbombers and 16 helicopters in active service. The helicopters are filling their buckets with water from Bear Creek up to Fintry Delta.

“We’re asking the boaters: Use some common sense.”

Holmes noted that visibility can be difficult for the pilots, who also cope with fatigue from long shifts fighting the fire. He said that if boaters are in the way, pilots have to navigate so they do not risk their aircraft or the boaters. Holmes pointed out the evasion takes up time that the helicopters could be using to fight the fires.

Police reported several incidents of people showing up in boats with the intention of going into the evacuation zones. “We don’t want anybody going into the restricted area.”

Holmes said police can penalize boaters under the Canada Shipping Act if necessary, but just want people to stay away. “There are people willfully going in to get closer to these areas.”

Holmes said that when challenged, people attempting to get closer to the shore have all turned back. He said police are encouraging residents to stay away for their own safety, noting that one resident was found swimming in the area and was asked to return to shore. A few minutes later, a helicopter filled its bucket from the spot on the lake where the man had been.

Holmes pointed out it would have been difficult for the pilot to see the man down in the water.