Calgary boaters who repeatedly refuse to wear life jackets will be fined

The Calgary fire, police and bylaw departments are trying to get the word out about the importance of water safety this summer.

They held a news conference at Lake Bonavista Thursdayafternoon.

People should make sure they are taking care of themselves and the people they are with on the water, saidInsp.Kyle Grant of the Calgary Police Service.

"It's really important that everybody wears their life jacket and don't just put it in the boat, actually wear it," he said.

First responders try to educate and warn boaters about wearing personal floatation devices, but some people just don't listen said Grant.

"We have our marine unit which is out there every day and they'll be seeing the people. A lot of times people will get warnings and our marine unit will leave and come back and the life jackets are back off," he said.

The fine for not wearing a life jacket is up to $500.

The departments also warned about the dangers of drinking or doing drugs while rafting or boating.

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