Sylvan Lake RCMP have been advising boat owners to check on their vessels after several were swept away in Friday’s storm.
“When the wind was really high and the waves were real high boats started coming ashore,” Cpl. James Allemekinders explained.
He said about 15 boats washed up on the south shore of the lake since yesterday.
“Ultimately I need people to take responsibility for their boats so that when the wind does shift these boats don’t get washed out into the lake and cause more damage and environmental damage.”
Cpl. Allemekinders said that some of the boats have been tied off, but there were still some unsecured and a few collecting water.
“If your boat does come loose you are responsible for damages,” he said, explaining owners would be held accountable for any damage their vessel caused to other boats or property.
“If gas or oil spill into the lake environmentally you are responsible for that as well. You are responsible for the cleanup and the costs associated.”
Although officers have tried to contact the registered owners of the boats, they have not had much luck since the registered information is old.
That has prompted Cpl. Allemekinders to issue another piece of advice to boat owners about updating their license information.
“So if something does happen we are able to identify and contact the owner to notify of the problem.”
