PENTICTON - The public is urged to take extra care near the Okanagan River because of high water levels.

Visitors and residents are reminded that the Okanagan River's deep and fast-flowing current requires heightened safety awareness.

Adults are urged to keep children and pets under close supervision at all times when near the banks of the river. If going into the river, take precautionary safety measures such as using a safe watercraft and wearing a life jacket.

Recent rains, combined with this year's snowpack melt, are expected to cause higher runoff into the river from Okanagan Lake for the next several weeks.

Flows in Okanagan River between Okanagan Lake and Osoyoos Lake are currently well above normal and are expected to remain high throughout the spring and early summer.

Learn More:

For Flood Smart prevention tips, visit:

http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/prevention-preparation.html

Contacts:

Des Anderson
Head, Public Safety and Protection
Okanagan Shuswap District
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 490-8200

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261