In partnership with the Penticton RCMP and the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society (SOSBIS), the City of Penticton’s Community Safety Bylaw Officers began patrolling Okanagan Beach July 16, 2020 handing out positive tickets to youth demonstrating good safety practices.
“It’s always great to see the community stepping up to be safe and responsible”, said Bylaw Services Supervisor, Tina Siebert. “Acknowledging youth for keeping themselves and those around them safe is critical. It’s so important for us all to work together and keep safety top of mind.”
The Positive Ticket program, lead by SOSBIS, encourages young people to be safe by wearing helmets and wearing appropriate safety gear such as lifejackets near the water. Those “caught” setting a good example will get a positive ticket and receive a small reward - a free gift card arranged by SOSBIS and donated by local businesses such as Subway, McDonald’s, Veriberry and Bike Barn.
“We want to reward those who are ultimately helping to prevent any injury that may happen to their head by wearing a bike or skateboard helmet properly and wearing a lifejacket around the water,” said SOSBIS Executive Director, Linda Sankey.
Penticton RCMP and Penticton Community Safety Bylaw Officers will be handing out positive tickets until the end of the summer. Residents can also enter into the SOSBIS’s Bike Helmet Giveaway colouring contest on its Facebook page.
