Bonney Lake Police step up patrols on water

BONNEY LAKE, Wash. – On Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake Police said there have already been two boat collisions over the weekend, one ending in injury. It’s why officers are stepping up patrols hoping to catch and fix bad habits before anyone else gets work.

As swimmers and boaters take advantage of hot weather this weekend, Bonney Lake Police have been there too to make sure they’re playing it safe. Officers spent all weekend checking for life jackets and looking for boaters who may be speeding or splashing swimmers.

“It’s just better to be safe, use your common sense to stay away and just follow the laws,” said Bonney Lake Police Sgt. Ryan Boyle. “The biggest tool is education. We see the violation, educate them. If they keep doing it or it’s going to hurt someone, then we issue a citation.”

Boyle said they’re writing tickets and inspecting for safety violations, like missing a flag meant to warn others about passengers in the water.

Boaters like Nazar Leskovets said they understand why police are out on the lake, he said it did put a damper on his day when his group had to stop water skilling.

“They just ran an inspection because we didn’t have a flag,” said Leskovets.

However, others like Cindy Wildfong said they appreciate the patrols, especially with more kids heading to the water when school gets out.

“I’m a mom, so I think  it’s good they are making sure that boaters are keeping their speed limit and swimmers are doing what they are supposed to be,” said Cindy Wildfong.

Bonney Lake Police said they have officers scheduled to be out on Lake Tapps every weekend until September.