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Lake levels expected to remain high

As Okanagan Lake levels are expected to remain high this weekend, Danny Ironside and his son decided to give the kids in the Romp statue a helping hand.
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Some caring people decided on Thursday to prepare the kids of the Romp sculture for the worst as the water levels in Okanagan Lake continue to rise. Mark Brett/Western News

As Okanagan Lake levels are expected to remain high this weekend, Danny Ironside and his son decided to give the kids in the Romp statue a helping hand.

Ironside said it was while on a walk along Okanagan beach yesterday that they came up with the idea. His young son was concerned that the three kids featured in the statue needed life jackets.

The City of Penticton said on Thursday the latest measurement showed the lake at 342.986 metres.

City crews, including members of Penticton Fire Rescue and the B.C. Forestry Service have erected flood prevention measures at several points along the lakeshore.

That includes several hundred feet of inflatable “Tiger Dams” and 35,000 sandbags at key areas between the SS Sicamous and the entrance to the Okanagan Lake Channel.

Similar measures are in place near the damaged Kiwanis Walking Pier and Okanagan Lake Park.

See related: Lake conditions worst business has ever seen

The pier and adjoining walkways are currently closed to the public due to the damage from the recent storm as is the bridge connecting the park to the Penticton Art Gallery property.

The Sicamous is also closed however other Lakeshore businesses remain open.

Due to the high and swift waters in local creeks including Penticton and Ellis creeks, people are urged to avoid those areas or use extreme caution.

To report flooding contact the city yards at 250-490-2500 or 911 if you feel personal safety is at risk.

A self-service facility for those requiring sandbags is available at the Number 2 Fire Hall on Dawson Avenue with access from Camrose Street.