The Chestermere RCMP detachment will have a new Marine Patrol Unit on the lake this summer.
Boaters on Chestermere Lake will see the new RCMP patrol boat on the water as police increase patrols in an attempt to enhance the boating experience and ensure the safety of recreational boaters.
“Concerns were raised in the past regarding the capacity of local law enforcement to address safety and enforcement issues on the lake,” said Chestermere RCMP Cpl. Dave Friend.
Friend said the addition of this new boat to the detachment gives it the ability to address these concerns in three different ways:
• Education: The patrol boat will have the ability to be on the water to educate users of the lake on safe boating practices including mandatory equipment and the laws governing boat use.
• Prevention: The presence of the boat on the water will act as a deterrent to irresponsible users of the lake that may have a negative effect on the level of enjoyment for the other users of the lake.
• Enforcement: In cases where irresponsible users are endangering themselves or other users of the lake, the patrol boat will give the police the ability to intervene and lay charges when appropriate or even remove the offenders from the lake.
“RCMP would like to remind boaters that safe boating and liquor do not go together,” said Friend.
Some of the equipment police will be checking for this summer include life jackets, bailers, paddles, flares and other items that are mandatory depending on the type of craft being used.
Visit the website www.boatingsafety.gc.ca for a safe boating checklist that includes a list of mandatory equipment.
