WATCH: Rescue training takes over Okanagan Lake

KELOWNA — Emergency officials swarmed Okanagan Lake in downtown Kelowna Friday with ambulance and search and rescue teams out in full force.

But while it was a full blown rescue effort, it wasn’t to save a life, instead for life saving training.

Paramedics in training with the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) hopped on board the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) boat for the training exercise.

“The more realistic the better we can do it, the easier it will be during a real like call,” said COSAR Vice President, Duane Tresnich.

The partnership between JIBC and COSAR formed about a year ago and the teams have been performing rescue exercises together ever since.

Both say the real-life simulations are great preparation for when real emergencies do come.