After two boating accidents over the weekend at Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake Police are reminding people about safety on the water.
With the nice weather, more people are out on the lake and police say it can be difficult for boaters to navigate the waters when there are kayakers, swimmers, paddle boaters out.
There are no lifeguards at Lake Tapps, and there is no plan for any lifeguards in the future. Young kids should have a life jacket on, and parents should be watching them.
For Bonney Lake Police Officer Todd Green, Lake Tapps is home.
"It's kind of fun to work in a community you grew up in," Green said.
But on a nice days like today, this calm reservoir can quickly turn into a hectic scene.
"On a busy day it's just boat central," Green said.
Like over the weekend, one boat hit an inner tuber, sending them to the hospital with minor injuries.
"Educate yourself on that boat,” Green said. “Know how to start it up know how to put it in gear. Know how to dock it. You have to learn all of that stuff before you go out onto the water."
While education is one part of the equation, the other is making sure people’s boats are in line with the regulations
"We're always happy to do an inspection," Green said.
On this lake, life jackets could have saved the lives of many. Green said there were about two or three drownings here year up until 2012.
"It’s a small community, and I know it’s a big lake, but it’s still a small community, so to have one drowning, it affects everybody," Green said.
