A shortened spring and a delayed summer, when it comes to ideal weather conditions, may have heightened the potential for problems this summer season.
With many outdoor enthusiasts trapped inside during the endless wet weather, the desire to get out and enjoy summer could potentially increase the possibility for accidents and irresponsible behaviour.
It would appear the mix of sun, fun and alcohol could create more than a few headaches across the region and even the province. No one wants to rain on anyone’s parade when it comes to how the choose to celebrate their summer weekends but once again, a few idiots can make it tough on the majority of campers and weekenders.
Local RCMP report a fairly quiet weekend and the Lethbridge Regional Police report, for the most part, Canada Day participants were responsible.
In the city, extra police were on duty to handle and potential problems at the Canada Day activities, which resulted in about 10 arrests. In all cases, alcohol was a factor, if not the only factor leading to the unlawful behaviour.
Over the last few years the province has taken a proactive approach in its campgrounds by limiting or completely banning alcohol.
Once again, those who were handling the privilege, and yes it is a privilege and not a right, of being able to bring alcohol on their camping trips, are being punished for the actions of the minority who were irresponsible in their dealings with alcohol and activities they undertook under the influence of alcohol.
Unfortunately, the ban on alcohol only serves to push parties out of monitored and official campsites and into the back country where very little patrolling can be done.
That is not to say that only drinkers make dumb choices, but anyone who keeps up to date on the local police report will understand alcohol is often at the very least, a mitigating factor in irresponsible and often unlawful activities.
Summer long weekends have become as much of a focus for anti-drinking and driving campaigns as the Christmas party season.
In fact, with the longer days of sunlight and increased potential for holiday time, the risk of drivers taking to local roadways while under the influence is higher during summer than the winter holiday season.
Those who choose to include alcohol in their summer fun activities need to accept the added responsibility of ensuring they treat themselves and those around them with equal respect. Enjoy your summer but make sure others can enjoy theirs as well.