WESTLOCK – More than 30 boats were checked, while three “positive tickets” were handed out to youth during a Westlock RCMP patrol of Long Island Lake Aug. 12.
Staff Sgt. Al Baird said the annual patrol was meant to educate the public as no formal tickets were handed out — in addition to the boaters, 10 stand-up paddle boarders were warned as they weren’t wearing lifejackets, while one new boat owner was found without proper registration.
Throughout July there’s been a handful of drownings reported in lakes across Alberta, with the most recent happening Aug. 14 when a 14-year-old Edmonton boy drowned in the pond area of the Rotary Park Outdoor Waterpark in Whitecourt.
“The only tickets that we handed out were the positive tickets to the youth. What we’re trying to do is educate people and not hammer them with enforcement … I mean, if it becomes serious enough, we will,” said Baird Aug. 18. “The big thing is we want to make sure people are following the rules. Just in the last handful of days in the news there’s been two more drownings reported. It’s tragic, so us having the boat out there is just us trying to educate people to prevent those tragedies.”
The top tip the RCMP offer is to never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code — the same rules apply whether you’re driving a car, boat or even a plane. Impairment also affects a person's motor ability, judgement, and reaction time, said Baird, which can be deadly when you mix in water. But Baird also said people need to ensure they’re using their lifejackets and personal floatation devices which can be the difference between life and death.
Other tips include always checking weather forecasts and reports as changing weather conditions can be extremely dangerous while on the water. In addition, dress appropriately for cool weather or extreme heat and don’t be afraid to stow extra clothing.
Also be sure to share your itinerary and location with someone so that you could be located quickly in case of an emergency and keep in mind that cellphone coverage may be limited or non-existent where you’re boating.
Prepare your boat to ensure it is equipped with mandatory safety equipment and always bring emergency supplies like extra food, water, clothes, and a cellphone. Baird also noted that there are rules for mandatory spotters when pulling water skiers or tubers.
And finally, be self-aware and don’t push your physical limits as the RCMP say many drownings are a result of fatigue and being too far from shore.
While there’s been few tragedies on local lakes and rivers over the years, there have been close calls like the incident last spring when a man tubing on the Pembina River was having abdominal pains and had to be taken to hospital via ambulance, or the 2018 incident when two teenaged girls got lost after tubing down the river but were eventually found OK.
For tubers, Westlock County fire chief John Biro previously recommended monitoring the Alberta Rivers Forecast, then mapping a route and setting checkpoints with whoever is picking you up, while noting there is safety in numbers so never travel alone. Lifejackets are also a must, as is a cellphone, and although it’s tempting to have a six-pack at your side, staying sober on the water could be the difference between life and death, he added.
