LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE — Over 100 containers of alcohol were dumped, and seven tickets were issued by Saskatchewan RCMP during boat patrols on Last Mountain Lake.
On July 25, Lumsden RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan conducted proactive boat patrols on Last Mountain Lake.
During the six hours officers spent patrolling the water, police:
- dumped over 100 containers of alcohol;
- issued four tickets for open alcohol on a boat;
- issued one ticket for operating a boat without a license;
- issued two tickets for open alcohol on shore; and
- issued several warnings for lack of life jacket use.
Officers also conducted 20 Mandatory Alcohol Screenings (MAS), with multiple boaters coming close to the provincial suspension limit. Officers remind watercraft operators that impairment – whether it be from alcohol, cannabis or other intoxicants – is punishable under the Criminal Code. Furthermore, it is prohibited to have open alcohol on a watercraft.
“A day on the lake may feel more relaxed than a drive on the road, but your responsibility to be safe – and abide by the law – is the same,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “On any given day, there are families out fishing and kids tubing or wake-surfing on the lake. These are the people – along with yourself and your loved ones – that you are putting in harm’s way if you ignore the law.”
As people continue to enjoy Saskatchewan’s lakes and waterways this summer, Saskatchewan RCMP encourages everyone to abide by the following safety tips to help have a safe experience:
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
- Ensure you do not have open alcohol on board.
- Never operate a watercraft while impaired.
- Follow safe boating guidelines and speed limits.
- Always wear a life jacket and use safety equipment properly. Every watercraft must have at least one life jacket per person on it.
- Ensure your water vessel has operable lights. These must be used when travelling on the water after sunset.
- Stay off your cellphone – don’t be a distracted driver.
- Be prepared with safety equipment and a first aid kit.
- Have your Pleasure Craft Operators Card with you on the water. This is mandatory for all watercraft operators.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
Saskatchewan RCMP advise that if you see or experience an emergency on the water, call 911 immediately. In a non-emergency, contact your local RCMP by calling 310-RCMP.
