More Kal Lake patrols

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The District of Coldstream is partnering with the North Okanagan Regional District to ensure more boat patrols are on Kalamalka Lake during the tourist season.

“Kalamalka is one of the busier lakes,” said Trevor Seibel, the district's chief administrative officer. “We want to try to have some resources on the lake to make sure everybody's being safe and conducting themselves accordingly.”

For the first time last year, the regional district used the Conservation Officers' Service for boat patrols on parts of Kal Lake that fell within electoral area boundaries as well as on Sugar and Mabel lakes, said Seibel.

This year, officer patrols will be extended to include Kal Lake areas within the District of Coldstream, after council freed up some money and directed staff to take action.

Seibel said the officers will make sure boats have proper equipment, including life jackets, and that boaters “conduct themselves accordingly” in terms of speed and alcohol.

He also pointed out the RCMP will be conducting separate patrols of the lake.