Police boat patrols begin on local lakes

The RCMP has started its summer boat patrols using two specially-trained officers conducting safety checks on boats.

The officers and their vessel were on Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes over the long weekend and say boating traffic was relatively light with only a few warnings handed out.

“Our officers engaged with boaters and conducted vessel safety checks to ensure boats were properly equipped to be out on the water with enough life jackets and other safety items readily available,” said Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

With National Safe Boating Week underway (May 16-22), boaters are reminded to make safety their top priority.