RCMP and Fish and Wildlife officers took to Buffalo Lake recently to spread the word about regulations and safety.
The education and enforcement initiative on Saturday involved RCMP from Bashaw and Fish and Wildlife officers from Stettler, Camrose, Ponoka and Red Deer. More than 170 people ice fishing or doing other winter activities were approached.
A number of charges were laid including Liquor Act offences, such as drinking alcohol in public and having open liquor in a motor vehicle.
Another 10 people were charged with breaking Alberta fishery regulations and two were charged under the Traffic Safety Act for not having insurance and not registering an off-highway vehicle.
The blitz was intended to ensure public safety on the lake and on nearby roads. Regulations were also enforced that are in place to protect fish populations and ensure they remain sustainable.
Bashaw RCMP encourage the public to report those who commit offences to the RCMP complaint line (1-780-372-3593) or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.