Swimmer Discovers UXO at Coldstream Beach

Coldstream, British Columbia A day at the beach was abruptly interrupted when a swimmer discovered UXO in the waters of Kalamalka Lake.

The individual located the suspicious device submerged near Pumphouse Beach and brought it to the shore. Officers from the Vernon North Okanagan Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to the scene after receiving reports of the discovery. RCMP media liaison officer Cpl. Tania Finn stated that police confirmed the item was a UXO, describing it as a severely corroded artillery round.

Authorities immediately cordoned off the area and called in the Canadian Forces EOD Unit to safely extract and dispose of the device. Following the incident, the RCMP reminded the public that it is never advisable to handle, touch, or move any potentially explosive material.

Kalamalka Lake has a history of similar discoveries. During past military training exercises, troops fired mortars into the water from the nearby Commonage Road area, leaving behind a legacy of submerged munitions. Aside from its historical military ties, Pumphouse Beach previously hosted a dog beach pilot project, which the Coldstream council unanimously voted to establish as a permanent site.