The RCMP boat patrol teams have been out in force patrolling local lakes over the past few weeks.
100 Mile House RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Coldwell says the patrols are going “quite well” and police will continue to have a presence on many South Cariboo lakes throughout the summer.
So far, patrols have taken place every day during the first week of this season’s program, he says, and then during the last two weekends.
Boaters are checked for regulation infractions, including careless operation of a vessel, violations related to lifejackets and personal floatation devices and ensuring they have valid Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card.
Coldwell says officers are also checking for operator impairment, which is investigated under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Coldwell says compliance has been “rather good” in terms of safety equipment, proper gear and other aspects relating to the boats themselves.
“There are still a number of people, who are operating their boat without the proof of proficiency [PCO], but usually they have it in their cabin or they have it in their vehicle on shore or something like that.”
Tickets are issued on the spot, and resulting fines can run close to $300, although sometimes tolerance is shown with the fine for lack of a PCO if qualified operators produce it quickly enough to satisfy the officers.
He recommends that water craft operators photocopy the PCO documentation and keep it on hand in the boat, just in case they are not carrying the original on their person.
“It is an offence to not produce it, as well as to not have it.”
An exception exists for people renting boats or water craft, as they are required instead to carry a checklist.
For more information, visit the Transport Canada website at www.tc.gc.ca to review the marine transportation requirements, or pick up a Safe Boaters Guide at the RCMP detachment in 100 Mile House.
