Summer might be coming to a close but the RCMP will not be letting up on their on-water presence.
Cpl. Mark Skotnicki said that local RCMP members have been hitting the water at random times throughout the season, ensuring safety and compliance among boaters.
Skotnicki said police are on the lookout for three main things, including a lack of proper licensing and registration, life-jackets and safety equipment onboard, as well as boaters towing tubers or wake-boarders without spotters.
Those who take to the waters without a proper boating licence are at risk of receiving a $287.50 fine.
Those operating a non-human powered boat without the proper safety equipment onboard, as stated in the small vessels regulations, will receive a $230 fine if pulled over by police. This includes not having a flare or flashlight onboard.
Boat owners who allow someone without a boating licence to operate their pleasure craft are putting themselves at risk of receiving a $287 fine.
Skotnicki also points out that police are paying special attention to improper towing, such as a boat pulling inner-tubers or wake-boarders without a spotter onboard.
If drivers are caught towing in the water or in the air without at least one extra person in the boat, they can receive a $287.50 fine.
An additional $287.50 fine will be given out if those being towed are not wearing a proper life -acket.
If a boat gets pulled over by police and is found to not have the proper number, or appropriate sizes of life- jackets onboard, those on the boat will be fined $230 for the first jacket, and $115 for subsequent missing jackets.
Careless operation of a boat could land a fine of up to $402.50.
These are just some of the fines Chase RCMP have been giving out on Shuswap waters this summer.
Skotnicki said that the local detachment encourages boaters to abide by all regulations and to do their part in keeping the waters safe.
