Kelowna News

The man in charge of water safety in the Central Okanagan urges boaters to use their common sense on Okanagan Lake.

RCMP Corporal, Gerry Guiltanene, says a number of incidents around the time of Tuesday's fireworks underscores that need.

"We had a collision in the Casa Loma area and we also had a boat capsize on the north side of the bridge," says Guiltanene.

"We're talking very close calls. Vessels operating with no navigational lights, parked in the middle of the lake with no lights on. Very dangerous things to be doing, especially with the amount of traffic and some of the rough water conditions."

Guiltanene says many boat operators do not appear to know the rules of the water. Boaters are travelling at unsafe speeds, failing to maintain proper lookouts, not having mandatory safety equipment on board and are navigating without proper lights displayed at night.

"There is a universal shoreline speed limit. Thirty metres from shore, you are restricted to 10 km per hour. Other speeds are determined by the amount of traffic on the lake, the density of the traffic, and lighting conditions at the time."

He says alcohol is another factor, but adds the province has just clarified drinking and boating regulations.

"It's been a grey area in the past, but we just received clarification from the province that consumption of alcohol in a boat on the lake is considered consuming liquor in a public place."

Guiltanene says that includes drivers and all passengers.

The only exceptions says Guiltanene, are vessels used as temporary or permanent residences and commercially licensed vessels.

"If they don't have a license and they are not being used as a residence, we'll be looking at that."

Inexperience says Guiltanene, is another big factor.

"It does make a difference. We get inexperienced people out there who have had a ten minute safety briefing, then they are going out and playing on the water."

Guiltanene says the bottom line is: slow down. The lake is very, very congested.

"Not only are there power boats out there but there are other users in the lake. If you are travelling down the lake at mach 10 and you are a big boat, your visibility is going to be restricted and your ability to react is definitely going to be affected. It can make it dangerous for other people."