The Kelowna RCMP police boat is pictured in this contributed photo.
Image Credit: Contributed/Tami Quan
July 15, 2024 - 12:34 PM
A jet skier was fined after police saw them dangerously towing someone on a tube on Okanagan Lake.
RCMP were conducting patrols of the lake when officers saw someone towing another person on a tube with a personal watercraft, or jet ski, on July 11, according to a release from police.
The jet skier did not have a spotter and the tuber fell off. The driver went about 500 meters before noticing and turning around.
Police followed the craft to shore and fined the driver $287 and gave them a warning for not producing their pleasure craft operator card.
“Personal watercraft, better known as Sea-Doos or jet skis, have unique requirements including that you must be at least 16 years old to operate one,” Central Okanagan RCMP Cpl. Michael Gauthier said in the release.
Mounties want to remind people about the regulations when it comes to tubing and jet skis.
“You’re really quite limited when it comes to towing someone behind a PWC as you require enough seating for everyone on the vessel including the individual being towed. This means a three-seater already carrying the driver and spotter, has one seat left for whoever they’re towing should they become injured or the tube goes flat for example,” Gauthier said. “We’ve directed several personal watercraft back to shore this year after seeing operators towing multiple people on tubes, most commonly children. This particular incident was overtly unsafe and a clear reminder why a spotter is needed at all times.”
Click here for more information about boating laws.
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