With summer here, the Rimbey RCMP is out in full force doing their part to protect campers and boaters, ensuring rules and regulations are being upheld and all can enjoy the wonderful holiday season.
Mounties continued to work closely with conservation officers and fish and wildlife officers in the Medicine Lake and Gull Lake areas.
Rimbey RCMP often take their own commercial vessel, a 17-foot Titan out on the water to do random patrols to ensure boaters are wearing proper lifejackets, using correct paddles, a proper bailing device and are licensed small vessel operators.
Sgt. Mark Groves said boat patrols indicate that about 40 per cent of boaters are not in compliance with boating regulations.
He added that there is zero tolerance for boat operators regarding alcohol and open liquor in a boat is illegal.
“Alcohol is involved in more than 30 per cent of all drownings,” he said.
Fishing without a license is another infraction, which can result in a hefty fine and a court appearance.
Complaints about the use of ATVs on public land are a consistent problem, damaging the environment, colliding, driving while impaired and disturbing families that are camping.
He urges people to use common sense and let someone know where they are going when they decide to go camping or otherwise disappear for a few days.