Complaints about personal water craft (PWC) towing people without spotters is keeping the Kalamalka Lake Watch program busy.
No spotters has been the top complaint of the summer for the lake watch program.
“It is important for all vessel operators to follow the regulations, but all of the reports that have come in regarding this issue have been directed at PWC,” said Warren Smith with the lake watch program. “Towing can only be done from a PWC when it is made to carry three or more people.”
Smith reminds operators that when towing, a passenger must occupy a seat and act as a spotter at all times.
If anyone being towed is not wearing a life-jacket, there must be one on board for them.
Towing is not allowed when visibility is poor or from one hour after sunset to sunrise.
“Even after recent events on Kalamalka Lake people seem to get lost in the fun, forget common sense, safety and the regulations,” said Smith. “Lake users are asked to report all suspicious and dangerous boating activities to police.
“Three simple key things people can do are observe, record and report.”
In the event of an emergency people should call 911. Observations can also be reported to the Kalamalka Lake Watch Program. Forms are available through the Vernon[North Okanagan RCMP Community Policing office, local municipal governments, or online at https://ecommerce.vernon.ca/vernon/Lake_Watch_Form.cfm.
