RCMP out in force on Okanagan Lake this B.C. Day long weekend | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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RCMP out in force on Okanagan Lake this B.C. Day long weekend

The RCMP will be out on Okanagan Lake this B.C. Day long weekend conducting stepped up enforcement.

OKANAGAN – If you’re out enjoying the good weather this long weekend expect to see more police both on the water and the roads.

The combination of hot weather, a busy tourist weekend, boats and alcohol have police from Penticton to Vernon stepping up their enforcement.

Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says the summer Counterattack season has already begun with more checks on roads and highways throughout the Okanagan, adding police will be out on the water checking boaters this B.C. day long weekend.

“(Boat operators) are not just responsible for the safety of their passengers onboard that vessel but also everyone else using that waterway,” he says. “It would take just a split second or a wrong decision to have tragic outcomes.”

A minimum of three RCMP boats will be on Okanagan Lake this weekend with officers stopping boats and conducting checks, he says.

“We’re out there to ensure the public enjoy their weekend safely on the water and that includes making sure they have all their proper safety equipment, that they’re not overloaded, have proper spotters, those sorts of things," O'Donaghey says.

Officers will also be visiting boat launches to ensure returning boaters and those just starting their days are obeying the law. And it’s not just boaters and motorists who can be stopped by the police this weekend.

“We often see that paddle boarders aren’t taking proper safety precautions. They should always have life jackets with them. It’s very important. Life jackets do save lives.”

For a list of regulations on Canadian. waterways, as well as safe boating tips, visit this web page.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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