Boaters in the South Cariboo may wish to note 100 Mile House RCMP officers are stepping up enforcement on area lakes.
Const. Scott McKee of the local detachment says RCMP patrols will be carried out on more lakes, more often, from their police vessel as well as on the shore.
“We’re going to be at a lot of lakes where people have not seen us in the past, as well as at all the major, popular lakes.”
With a strictly enforced zero-tolerance mandate for violations related to lifejackets/PFDs and impaired or careless operation of a vessel, he explains, fines will be issued on the spot for many boating regulation infractions.
“Part of our role is educating the public, which will come in the form of written and verbal warnings for minor deficiencies. Our ultimate goal is to promote safe and responsible boating practices to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience on the water.”
Fines for not having a coast guard approved life jacket or other Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in working condition in an appropriate size for the operator and each passenger are $230 for the first one missing, and $115 for each one after that.
“Given it’s not mandatory that boat occupants wear the lifejackets carried in the boat, we do encourage them to set a good example for their children and others.”
Patrolling officers will be looking for a valid Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card carried on hand by anyone operating a boat, he says, which are issued after completing and passing operator safety training courses, now mandatory for pleasure craft of any size.
McKee notes that PCO cards must be carried in person, and not doing so – whether you have forgotten it at home, or have never taken the course – will result in fine of $287.50.
An exception exists for those renting boats or other watercraft, especially foreign tourists or occasional-use operators, who don’t have a PCO but are required instead to carry a checklist.
The rental agency operator, who goes over it with the vessel renter before they head out on the lake, issues this checklist he explains.
The required safety equipment is different for each vessel type, size and horsepower, so McKee says boaters who are not sure what is needed on their boat need to check this out before they go.
Visit Transport Canada website at www.tc.gc.ca has a marine transportation page listing requirements, or a Safe Boaters Guide can be picked up at the RCMP detachment in 100 Mile House.
Const. Chris Manseau, who is another member on the patrol team, adds the increased enforcement is a measure to help prevent incidents and accidents, such as they have seen in past seasons.
“The more visible we are the more likely people are to comply.”
McKee notes the RCMP will also be attending fishing derbies and other public events on the lakes as much as possible.
The RCMP will also work together with conservation officers to check fishing licences and regulation compliance, he says, adding people should not be surprised to see the police at the lakes on ATVs.
McKee notes impaired operation of any water-going vessel will be investigated under the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as landing the operator in court.
