Police set to begin Operation Dry Water 2012
By Contributor
Police will be out in force this Canada Day weekend as well as during the rest of the summer season checking for safe boating compliance and looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the federal limit of 0.08.
It’s being dubbed Operation Dry Water 2012.
Boaters can expect to see boat ramp safety checkpoints and increased on-water patrols, including breathalyzer tests when required.
Penalties for an impaired boater can be severe, including having their boat seized, with possible arrest and charges under the Criminal Code for impaired operation and under the Canada Shipping Act for careless operation of a vessel.Boating under the influence (BUI) continues to be a leading contributing factor in boating fatalities (Canadian Red Cross report on recreation boating, 2011).
A boat operator or even passengers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit run a significantly increased risk of being involved in a fatal boating accident. When impaired by alcohol, boating accidents are more probable and more deadly for both passengers and boat operators, many of whom capsize their vessel or simply fall overboard.
Boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime when people stay alert and follow the rules, including having a proper and sober lookout at times to prevent collisions. We want boaters to understand the added risks associated with BUI and to avoid drinking and boating, says Gord Molendyk media spokesperson.
With the current high water levels and potential for shoreline erosion, boaters are also minded to be mindful of their boat wake and its effect on lake and river banks.
