Bylaw promises patrols this long weekend to keep waterways safe

Taking a raft for a float on the Bow River this long weekend may sound like a darn good idea, but authorities are hoping everyone will be on their best behavior.

Summer long weekends typically see a spike in water rescues and related incidents including deaths.

So far in 2015 the Fire Department has already performed 24 water rescues.

Police have handed out 640 warnings to waterway adventurers for things like failing to wear a life jacket or drinking alcohol while on the river.

The fines for not following the rules can range from $115 – $1,000 and authorities are promising bylaw officers will be out patrolling river and park areas over the long weekend.

These fines include, but are not limited to:

Failing to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device – mandatory court appearance

Consuming liquor in public – $115 fine

Littering on, into, or under water – $115 fine

Littering in a park – $500 fine

Littering from a vehicle – $750 fine

Disposing of burning litter – $1,000 fine

Urinating or defecating in public – $300 fine

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