Vernon RCMP are patrolling the streets in cars, on bikes and by foot, but they are not limited to the land.
They will also be on the water again this summer.
The RCMP Marine Unit will continue the voluntary vessel safety pre-check using RCMP volunteers at Paddlewheel Park boat launch.
“This initiative will help speed up our checks on the water,” said Cst. Baldoff, one of the RCMP members patrolling the lakes around Vernon.
Trained RCMP volunteers will assist the marine unit by allowing boaters to complete a pre-launch inspection of the items required under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 along with its regulations governing pleasure craft.
The check is entirely voluntary and those who do so will received documentation that their craft has already been inspected if they are stopped on the lake by RCMP.
“This is a preventative measure that not only assists the RCMP, but gives the vessel operator the opportunity to correct any deficiencies prior to getting on the water,” said Regan Borisenko, Crime Prevention Co-ordinator.
“There are significant fines under the Canada Shipping Act that will surprise you when issued a ticket on the water.”
Failure to have the required pleasure craft licence on board is a $250 fine.
Operating a vessel with safety equipment not in good working order or not readily accessible and available for immediate use not having enough approved life jackets on board is $200.
“Some boating offences can result in fines to both the operator of the boat and to the person who allowed the operation of the boat. An example of this would be allowing someone under the age of 16 to operate your PWC,” said Borisenko.
Volunteers will also be checking for zebra and quagga mussels at Paddlewheel Park boat launch.
Boat suspected of having the invasive mussels could be quarantined.
