With the steady decline of Okanagan Lake, water will soon reach levels where it will be safe to re-open boat launches.

Based on the current rate at which lake levels are declining, the City of West Kelowna Operations Department estimates that the Gellatly Bay and Casa Loma Boat Launches can safely be re-opened by Wednesday, July 12.

Staff from the city will work over the course of the next week to inspect the launches and make any necessary repairs and preparations.

The city says every effort will be made to open the launches earlier should conditions permit and it be safe to do so. West Kelowna says that unauthorized use prior to the launches re-opening will be subject to fines.

Boaters are reminded that lake levels will remain high for several more weeks and are asked to reduce speeds and travel far from shore to prevent wakes from spilling over or damaging flood protection measures, including those set up to guard public infrastructure, along the lakefront.