Boating under the influence (BUI) continues to be a leading contributing factor in boating fatalities (Canadian Red Cross report on recreation boating, 2011).
This is why local marine law enforcement officers are gearing up to participate in Operation Dry Water 2012, a campaign focused on enforcement of BUI and educating all boaters to the risks of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Okanagan and Shuswap area officers will be out in force throughout the Canada Day long weekend and summer season checking for safe boating compliance and looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the federal limit of 0.08.
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.
“We intend to take intoxicated boaters off the lake and to reach out to as many people as possible about the hazards of boating under the influence,” said spokesperson Gord Molendyk.
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,” said Molendyk.
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.
Sgt. Josh Lockwood of the conservation officer service warns, “we will be actively enforcing the 10 km/hr speed restriction within 30 meters of shore on interior lakes during our vessel patrols this long weekend.”
Report impaired boaters by calling 911.
For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org and www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.
