Vernon Search and Rescue pleased with launch

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 04, 2013 1:00 AM Despite some concerns from neighbours, Search and Rescue crews confirm there were no problems accessing a local boat launch. Emergency personnel were called July 14 to assist an injured teen who was cliff diving at Rattlesnake Point. In order to get to the site, paramedics and Search and Rescue accessed Kalamalka Lake via the Kalavista Boat Launch. But some neighbours to the launch reported that the busy site hindered the operation of crews. When in fact, that is not the case. “As far as we were concerned, it was absolutely perfect. It was textbook,” said Pete Wise, search manager in charge at the scene that day. “We had no problems from our end whatsoever, it’s a perception of what people see.” The Kalavista launch can be congested at times, but Wise says crews simply cleared one side of the launch while getting their boat in and out of the water. “We don’t want to impede the launching of boats.” Following neighbourhood complaints, some Coldstream politicians suggested that another launch might be more suitable for emergency situations. But after hearing from crews on the scene, now the district is going to install a sign at the launch identifying it as an emergency launch point. “That boat launch is the best launch in the region,” said Wise, also appreciative of the assistance from local boaters and Coldstream’s commissionaires.