This past week, Transport Canada and the RCMP teamed up for a series of on-water patrol blitzes aboard a Transport Canada Zodiac currently stationed in the Okanagan.

Boating safety patrols were conducted on Okanagan, Kal, Wood and Mabel Lake.

On Okanagan Lake, patrols were launched from Kelowna, Summerland and Penticton. Boaters were also checked on local boat ramps for operator cards and safety equipment.

Approximately $1500.00 in fines were issued for such offenses as missing fire extinguishers, safety equipment not in good working order, no proof of operator competency on board (pleasure craft operator card), towing without a spotter, towing without enough seats for every person being towed, insufficient number of life jackets.

In addition, 30 boats were escorted back to shore and prohibited from operating until they met the safety requirements of the Canada Shipping Act and the Small Vessel Regulations.

Fines range from $115.00 to $575.00 for most boating offenses. Not carrying enough life jackets carries a fine of $230.00 for the first missing one and $115.00 for each additional missing one.