To the City of Penticton, I would like to know what it’s going to take to have proper lifeguards on our beaches here in Penticton?
Another drowning victim has succumbed. We as a city, who promote tourism as much as possible, should have paid lifeguards watching our lakes and shores for the benefit of all.
A man who drowned in Skaha Lake recently was from Edmonton and on vacation in Penticton and was last seen in the early afternoon in the lake with an air mattress. He was found an hour later unresponsive in the water, about 60 feet from shore.
I’m sure if there was a lifeguard, this wouldn’t have happened.
It was the second drowning in one month, after another man fell in while paddle boarding on July 3. Even the small community of Peachland, with not nearly as much beach front as Penticton, has lifeguards. Yes, let’s promote safe beaches for all by having a lifeguard. Actually four or five would be absolutely wonderful for both the north shore of Skaha and the south shore of Okanagan Lakes.
On another note, why is the beach that is just west of the channel on Skaha Lake, looking so shabby? Grass growing like crazy, weeds, dog poo and garbage not in receptacles. This is not a dog beach. This is another eyesore that should and could be avoided.
Come on, get with the program. This is when Penticton local businesses make their livelihood, summertime right? Tourists come to our beautiful city to hang out on the beaches and such. let’s make a more favourable impression.
Also, why is there no garbage or recycling receptacles on the pier at Okanagan Lake just west of the Lakeside? People seem to think it’s OK to leave their garbage, empty pop and liquor containers, anywhere — on the pier, on the benches, under the benches, dropped where ever.
If there was at least one or two garbage bins, perhaps this would help to deter this? Do ya think?
D. Brown
Penticton