RCMP in Prince George put a focus on the mass float down the Nechako River on Saturday. Nothing serious happened to curb the fun of the 1,100-plus floaters, so RCMP were pleased to only list a set of common interventions they had to make.
"It was busy for our members, but no tragedies, no major incidents, not collisions on the roads, we are certainly happy with that," said Prince George RCMP spokesman Gary Godwin.
Police were aided by BC Parks personnel, Prince George Search and Rescue people, and the Prince George Fire Rescue Service, all conspiring for public safety.
Out on the water, five boaters were ticketed for licensing infractions, two fishing infractions were levied, liquor was seized from six individuals, and assistance was given to one stranded vessel.
On land, 240 open liquor actions were taken, two intoxicated individuals required police supervision, and 10 other general assistance (minor first aid, cell phone calls, etc.) matters were dealt with.
On the roads surrounding the Nechako, 45 various charges were handed out under the Motor Vehicle Act. Two were arrested for public intoxication and another was arrested for an indecent act, a fourth for running out into traffic attempting to stop cars in a reckless way.
Godwin said the lack of major incident "is probably testament to how well publicized this event was by our local media, whom we would like to thank for getting the word out, and about safety and the enforcement that would be present."
