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Friday, July 27, 2012
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Nechako River float ready to hit water Police will be stepping up patrols on and off the river for safety ■ Annual event
Delynda pilon newsroom@pgfreepress.com
The Prince George RCMP will be patrolling the roads and the river on Saturday in an effort to ensure public safety during the annual Nechako River float. “The same impaired driving laws apply on a boat as they do on a vehicle,” Corp. Craig Douglass, media liaison with the RCMP, said. This year three boats will patrol the river, from Wilkins Park in Miworth to Cottonwood Island Park. Conservation officers, the RCMP and swift-water rescue personnel will man the boats.
“Although every effort will be made by these agencies to prevent incidents, injuries and death, those persons that take part in the event must take responsibility for their actions and understand that organizers have taken no safety precautions to protect participants,” a press release regarding the float states. Douglass added river levels and the swift current of the Neckako must be taken into consideration by participants. “The river is still high. Every summer it’s high. We had record levels on the Fraser just a month ago, and the Fraser and Nechako are in very close proximity to one anther.
The Nechako feeds into the Fraser, and it’s high, fast and always cold. It’s quite wide, and the shoreline is not easy to get out of,” he said. “The bush is right against the shore, and it could easily puncture an inflatable and put you in the water. Once in the water it is very difficult to get yourself out of the water, especially without a life jacket, before hypothermia sets in.” There is also a concern that some participants might drive from their docking point back to where their vehicle was parked while under the influence of alcohol. Douglass said the RCMP will have officers patrolling the adjacent roads on
Ph o to s ub mitte d b y R C M P
The RCMP and other units will be stepping up enforcement on the Nechako River on Saturday to make sure it’s a safe day for everyone.
Photo submitted by RC MP
It can be a lot of fun to be out on the river on a hot summer’s day. but police remind anyone taking part that safety gear is necessary.
the look-out for anyone taking that kind of risk. “People need rides back to vehicles. Both their rides and them need to be sober,” Douglass said. “Last year there were a number of alcohol-related driving violations. This year is going to be no different. In fact there will be more boats on water and likely at least as many vehicles.” Last year over 50 violations were issued for a
variety of offences including impaired driving, no insurance, no licence and liquor offences. Foot patrols will also be present at various locations known to be used by participants along the route. People need to remember that consuming alcohol in public places is a violation of the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Act. Offenders will be fined and have their alcohol seized.
The RCMP do not support this event, and are urging the public to avoid taking part, but understand some will, nevertheless, participate, which is why they have a plan in place. “We have a plan in place and a number of resources in place to try to ensure the risk taking is a minimal, and ensure things are done legally both in and out of water,” Douglass said.
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