An RCMP boat patrol was able to save a Sea-Dooist from a long paddle on Christina Lake.
They say an officer came across the stranded man Friday morning. He was having mechanical problems and started paddling back to shore, which probably would have taken 90 minutes.
Instead, police brought him aboard and towed his vessel. They say the Alberta visitor had all the necessary equipment on board, including his life jacket, paddle, and tow rope, which sets a good example for others.
They say preparing for being on the lake includes ensuring enough life jackets are on board for everyone, having paddles, tow ropes, bailing bucket, watertight flashlight and sound signaling device such as a whistle or airhorn. In addition, all boat operators need to have their pleasure craft operator’s card and the boat’s registration.
“The RCMP will have a presence on the water throughout the summer,” Sgt. Darryl Peppler said in a news release. “Officers will be checking boats to make sure the necessary equipment is on board, to check for licenses and registrations, and to make sure there is no alcohol present.”
Impaired canoeing
A man is in trouble for drinking … and canoeing.
Police say they were called Friday afternoon to a report of a drunk man in a canoe on Christina Lake. With help from the fire department, they got the 51-year-old local man’s attention, but he wouldn’t comply with directions.
He eventually made his way to a dock and hid under it for several minutes until an officer went into the water and brought him out. The man was arrested and released once he sobered up. He’s expected to be in court Sept. 19 on a charge of impaired operation of a conveyance.