Photo: RCMP
Kelowna RCMP were on the water this past weekend keeping an eye on lake activity.
They spotted one incident where the driver of a personal watercraft was pulling another person on an inflatable tube. RCMP tells Castanet the rider fell off the tube but the driver, who did not have a spotter, continued driving on for 500 metres before noticing the passenger was no longer on the tube.
The incident happened Thursday, July 11, 2024, when RCMP were conducting a routine patrol.
“Personal watercraft, better known as Sea-Doos or jet skis, have unique requirements including that you must be at least 16 years old to operate one,” says RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Michael Gauthier.
Officers approached the watercraft after they recovered the passenger, directed them to shore and handed them a $287.50 fine under the Small Vessel Regulations section the pair were also given a warning for failing to produce their Pleasure Craft Operator card.
“You’re really quite limited when it comes to towing someone behind a PWC as you require enough seating for everyone on the vessel including the individual being towed. This means a three-seater already carrying the driver and spotter, has one seat left for whoever they’re towing should they become injured or the tube goes flat for example,” said Cpl. Gauthier.
“We’ve directed several PWC back to shore this year after seeing operators towing multiple people on tubes, most commonly children. This particular incident was overtly unsafe and a clear reminder why a spotter is needed at all times.”
For more information on the rules on the water, or safety tips and requirements for pleasure craft and personal water click here.