Reports of a skydiver landing in Okanagan Lake are false, according to Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) who were ready to mobilize their boat after initially being called for a water rescue.
VSAR manager Trevor Honigman told The Morning Star that the rescue team was called by the RCMP to Okanagan Lake Friday afternoon after reports that a skydiver had gone in the water.
"The word we got was that there was someone in the water, but that had never happened," Honigman said. "There wasn't anyone that landed in the water."
Honigman explained that skydivers have two chutes, and in this case, the skydiver's main chute failed. He said the skydiver cut his main chute and used his reserve chute to land safely somewhere between Kin Beach and the Vernon Yacht Club.
The incident, which took place around 1:30 p.m., resulted in no injuries to the skydiver, Honigman said
Justine Tyson posted on Facebook around 1:45 p.m. Friday, saying her husband "just had a cutaway," meaning he had to cut his main chute. Tyson asked if someone could retrieve her husband's chute from Okanagan Lake, saying a reward if waiting for the person who retrieves it at Okanagan Skydive.
"There will be other handles out there as well. We will be so grateful for the return," read a post from Tyson.
A representative with Okanagan Skydive promptly said "no comment" when asked about the incident.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to a call of a person possibly in need of medical assistance at Paddlewheel Park. Two ambulances responded but no patients were in need of medical care, BCEHS said in a statement.
The Morning Star has reached out to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP for more information.
