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Okanagan Lake search for kayaker called off

The search for a kayaker missing on Okanagan Lake has been called off. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue were called to the lake at 3:30 p.m. on Friday after 71-year-old Zygmunt Janiewicz failed to return from an afternoon paddle on the lake.

The search for a kayaker missing on Okanagan Lake has been called off.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue were called to the lake at 3:30 p.m. on Friday after 71-year-old Zygmunt Janiewicz failed to return from an afternoon paddle on the lake.

That evening, searchers found an abandoned surf ski and personal flotation device on the waterfront a short distance from where Janiewicz had launched.

The Kelowna Fire Department’s rescue vessel was called in, as well as the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue helicopter and the Kelowna RCMP boat. Local paddleboarders and boaters also helped with the search throughout Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue spokesman Ed Henczel said rescue crews had been told to stand down. The search for Janiewicz is now a missing-persons case being handled by the RCMP.