100s of tubers warned

Photo: Enderby Chamber of Commerce

File photo.

Hundreds of people tubing on the Shuswap River this past summer received warnings from conservation officers involved in enhanced boat patrols throughout the North Okanagan.

Figures tallied between July 1 to Sept. 3 by the BC Conservation Service show 101 people were charged with boating offenses, including poor compliance, no boating license and lack of personal flotation devices. As well, 748 people received warnings.

But the verbal warnings to tubers stand out.

On July 15th, officers issued 119 verbal warnings to tubers regarding the requirement for lifejackets and whistles.

On Aug. 6th, 318 tubers were given verbal warnings for similar issues. The officer on duty did notice an improvement in compliance on that day compared to the last patrol on the river.

On Aug. 19, an officer checked 108 tubers between Trinity Valley bridge and Tuey Park, once again finding poor compliance with safety regulations. Ninety-four people were issued warnings although it is not known if all were tubers.

As well on that date, two tubers suffering from potential hypothermia had to be rescued on the river above Enderby bridge.

“Tubers unaware of slow float times on river, considering low water levels and unprepared for river conditions (no paddles, etc.),” said the officer's report.