Drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40 per cent of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways.
The OPP once again joined the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) to launch “Operation Dry Water,” an education and enforcement initiative aimed at discouraging boaters from boating under the influence of alcohol and reducing alcohol-related boating deaths.
The impairment effects of alcohol on the water can be greatly increased when combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat. Operating a vessel with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) in excess of .08 is impaired operation of a vessel under the Criminal Code of Canada.
In Ontario, boat operators will also have their driver’s licence suspended immediately. Upon conviction, boating privileges may be suspended and a criminal impaired driving conviction will be registered.
For more information, visit the CSBC website at www.csbc.ca under CSBC Safety Campaigns.
