You’ve heard the expression…”water on the water, beer on the pier”.
Its a reminder to make sure you are not impaired when operating a boat on the many waterways and lakes in the region.
Between May 16 and Sept. 1, fish and wildlife officers will enhance their patrols on lakes and rivers in and around Spruce Grove, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, Camrose and Red Deer with the ability to determine the sobriety of boat operators by using Approved Screening Devices (ASDs) – commonly known as breathalyzers.
If there is reasonable suspicion that the boat operator has consumed alcohol, fish and wildlife officers will administer breath tests. If the officer determines the operator is impaired, they will be arrested for further processing and could face criminal charges.
“Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services is committed to ensuring the safety of Albertans – both on land and on our waterways. This new pilot program provides officers with an essential tool to better detect those suspected of boating while impaired and enhances our ability to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating season for everyone.” says Rob Lamont, Deputy Chief Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services.
Here are some quick facts, supplied by the provincial government:
- Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and drugs is an offense punishable under the Criminal Code (Canada).
- In Canada, Criminal Code impaired operation laws are the same for operating a boat as they are for a vehicle on a highway.
- Operators are not permitted to have a blood alcohol concentration that is equal to or exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
- In Alberta, the Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Act and regulations restrict the consumption and transportation of alcohol or cannabis in vessels.
- Penalties for operating a boat while impaired may include:
- suspension of driver’s licence
- fines
- prohibition from operating a boat
- possible prison terms
- According to the Lifesaving Society and the Drowning Research Centre Canada, 50 per cent of boating-related water fatalities in Alberta involve alcohol consumption.
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