One boater was denied access to the boat launch and several violation notice warnings were issued during a recent enforcement campaign at McDonald Beach, according to Richmond Mounties.
Mounties said that the vessel was denied access to the boat launch as the owner, who would have been operating the boat, was suspected of being impaired.
“He was fully cooperative and left without incident in a vehicle in which he was a passenger,” Richmond RCMP said in a statement to the Richmond News, adding that no impaired vessel or motor vehicle operators were apprehended during the campaign.
Overall, Mounties were “really impressed by the preparedness and safety” of boaters using the McDonald Beach boat launch, said Sgt. Ross Lundie, NCO in-charge of the Richmond RCMP Marine Unit, in a statement.
“The inspections reminded the operators of the safety equipment required and current state of readiness in order to ensure it is accessible if needed. In addition, many questions were asked of our officers when it comes to legislation and general safety on the water.”
In total, around 60 vessels were inspected during the enforcement campaign, which took place Saturday, Aug. 28 at McDonald Beach, conducted by RCMP in partnership with ICBC and the City of Richmond.
In addition, approximately six violation notice warnings were issued under the Canada Shipping Act or Small Vessel Regulations due to missing or expired equipment or improper licencing, and two vessels were turned away due to missing safety equipment, according to RCMP.
Those two vessels returned once the safety equipment was obtained, Mounties added.
No federal contravention violation tickets were issued.
While an enforcement campaign isn’t planned for this Labour Day long weekend, the Richmond RCMP Fraser Guardian will be out patrolling the city’s waterways, according to Mounties.
Vessel inspections also take place on a routine basis at Richmond’s boat launches.
