Grand Forks RCMP continue patrols of Christina Lake, with help from regional district – Okanagan | 24CA News
A preferred lake in B.C.’s Southern Interior is seeing common police patrols this summer season, due to the native regional district.
The Grand Forks RCMP detachment says its summer season boat patrol program would see a reserve constable work 4 shifts every week, cruising the neighborhood and close by Christina Lake.
However, the detachment stated assets are stretched skinny this yr, with lots of the reserve constables filling gaps at different detachments.
Enter the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, which offered funding for boat-trained officers from different communities to patrol the native lake.
“In addition, the detachment has teamed up with other agencies, namely marine inspectors with Transport Canada and officers with the BC Conservation Services, to enhance the patrols on the water,” stated Grand Forks RCMP.
As an instance, the detachment stated native officers patrolled Christina Lake for a number of hours on Saturday, Aug. 5.
“That evening, two local officers with BC Conservation Services joined the two RCMP officers and together patrolled well into the night,” stated police.
“The goal of this team up was checking on many (recreation) sites ensuring there were no campfires as per the current fire ban. Officers were pleased to find that everyone was complying.”
However, that evening, RCMP say a Sea-Doo handed behind them at 9:30 p.m.
Police say they caught as much as the Sea-Doo, and discovered that the 19-year-old feminine from Christina Lake didn’t have a boating (pleasure craft) licence, nor was she sporting a lifejacket or have any navigation lights on.
“The woman was issued two federal violation tickets under the Canada Shipping Act for operating a pleasure craft without competency and operate with a lifejacket or PFD,” stated police.
With extra sizzling climate en route, the detachment says residents and guests can count on to see police out on the water typically.
“The RCMP cannot stress enough the importance of safe boating and having the necessary equipment,” stated Sgt. Darryl Peppler.
“While we are getting out as much as we can on the water, we would like to get out much more, but overall, we have seen very good compliance and behavior on the water.
“Having a strong presence is a great deterrent for wayward behavior and goes a long way in keeping our water safe for everyone.”
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