With hot and sunny weather back this week, police will be stepping up enforcement at local beaches.
Coquitlam RCMP stepped up its weekend patrols at Buntzen Lake about two weeks ago, said Cpl. Jamie Chung.
"It's really weather dependent because if it's going to be a cloudy or rainy weekend, we may not do extra patrols, just the regular patrols," he said. "But if it's hot and sunny like this weekend, we're going to put in extra patrols."
He reminded the public that drinking on the beach, impaired driving and drinking on the boat are all prohibited.
"We will be out on the water checking boaters," Chung added. "And when you're out and about in the boat, make sure you have all the safety equipment and make sure the operator carries the necessary permits."
As well, Port Moody Police Const. Luke van Winkel said officers will be patrolling White Pine Beach to ensure a safe, family-friendly experience for beach-goers.
"Every summer, the Port Moody Police deal with over 100 calls for service to the beach alone," van Winkel said, noting most calls stem from incidents related to alcohol: drinking and driving, assaults, public intoxication, causing a disturbance, minors in possession of booze and drinking in public.
"If you are planning a trip to the beach, please leave your liquor at home," van Winkel said, adding beach-goers should not leave valuables in their vehicles or unattended on the beach.
He also reminded the public that parking can be limited and police and bylaw officers will be enforcing parking regulations along the roadways leading to the beach.
