Photo: Contributed

It's boating season and the police want to make sure everyone is safe on the water.

Starting July 4, RCMP volunteers will be working with the North Okanagan RCMP Marine Unit to conduct the voluntary vessel safety pre-check at the Paddlewheel Park boat launch.

Pre-launch inspections check all items required under the Canada Shipping Act along with regulations governing pleasure crafts. After the voluntary check is completed, a document is presented to the operator and can be provided to RCMP marine patrols.

“This initiative will help speed up our checks on the water,” said Const. Steve Scott, one of the RCMP members patrolling the lakes around Vernon. “This is a preventative and teaching measure that not only assists the RCMP members on the water, but gives the vessel operator the opportunity to correct any deficiencies they might have prior to starting out on the water.”

There are significant fines for violations under the Canada Shipping Act, including failure to have the required pleasure craft license on board ($250 fine plus administration costs), or operating a vessel with safety equipment not in good working order or not readily accessible and available for immediate use ($200 fine plus administration costs).

Some boating offences can result in fines to both the operator of the boat and to the person who allowed the operation of the boat, such as allowing someone under the age of 16 to operate a personal water craft.

RCMP members and volunteers remind boaters to follow the rules of the Canada Shipping Act for everyone’s safety. Ensure there is a spotter while towing a skier, knee boarder or anyone behind the boat. Boat operators should not consume liquor while operating their boats on the water.