It's a common occurrence every summer in the Okanagan.

Noisy boats roaring up and down Okanagan Lake at all hours of the day and night.

Everyone from police to city councillors hear the complaints from residents who want something done about the noise.

Kelowna RCMP Inspector, Cam Forgues, says the problem isn't just enforcement.

"Part of the problem we are having with noisy boats is that the tickets are just $115 or so," says Forgues.

"Some of these people out there with the big boats, $100 doesn't affect them."

Forgues says larger fines could work as a deterrent, but adds, the fines are set at the provincial level.

"Every year it raises it's ugly head and we should deal with it."

RCMP Corporal, Jerry Guiltenane, who heads the boat patrol, says a decibel metre was utilized last summer to measure the level of noise being emitted by problem boats.

"The minimum level at idle documented was 94 decibels and the maximum noted was 120 decibels," says Guiltenane.

"Work place sound levels are considered unsafe at 84 decibels. There is currently no noise level requirements in any by-law or under the Small Vessel Regulations."

Guiltenane adds boats are supposed to be equipped with a noise abatement system or they must exhaust directly into the water.

"However, we have seen them get around this by installing exhaust diverter systems which allow them to flip a switch so they exhaust straight into the air, thus creating more noise."

The responsibility of patrolling Okanagan Lake comes under the jurisdiction of the Rural Westside RCMP Detachment.