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STOP Pleasure Boating on Osoyoos Lake during COVID-19 Restrictions
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STOP Pleasure Boating on Osoyoos Lake during COVID-19 Restrictions
Osoyoos
2020-05-11 14:31 PDT
File # Osoyoos RCMP
Osoyoos first responders field calls about Pleasure boating on Osoyoos Lake during COVID-19 restrictions
Osoyoos Lake is most certainly beautiful and a place many flock to for water sports, but with COVID-19, is now the time for pleasure boating? If so, can boaters use the lake for non-essential travel to the USA?
These are questions Osoyoos RCMP Commander Sgt Jason Bayda and Osoyoos Fire Rescue Chief Dave McMahon have fielded over the last couple of weeks. With boating season upon us, many are looking for alternative outdoor activities while still social distancing.
When it comes to non-essential travel, whether it be by car or boat, Osoyoos RCMP and Osoyoos Fire Rescue have a simple message, “We all must do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Follow all Public Health advisories and guidelines.”
“We know the increase of pleasure boating comes with the increased chances of emergencies on the water,” said Fire Chief Dave McMahon. “So while it may be permitted, we ask that you consider the risks you are putting our first responders in. Avoid non-essential boating, stay close to home to save lives.”
If you have COVID-19 and need to be rescued, you could potentially pass the virus on to first responders, preventing them from responding to other emergencies.
“There is a temporary restriction on all non-essential travel, including tourism and recreation, at the Canada-United States border, including via international waters,” said Sgt Jason Bayda. “This means pleasure boaters are currently not permitted to cross the international border on Osoyoos Lake.”
Mayor Sue McKortoff adds, “We agree with the Provincial Health Officers recommendations to stay home and stay safe. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to our community when it is safe to do so.”
We’re all in this together and we want to keep everyone safe.
Released by
Sgt. Jason Bayda
Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment Media Relations Officer
Osoyoos RCMP
16 Eagle Court, Box 960, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0
Office: 250-495-7236
Fax: 250-495-7416
Email: jason.bayda@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
