If you’re thinking of taking the boat out to the lake this August long weekend, better leave the cooler at home, unless it’s full of water.
This week the Canadian Safe Boating Council is amping up its awareness campaign – Operation Dry Water – hoping to remind boaters of the perils of drinking and boating.
“Through this initiative, (we’re hoping ) to raise attention to the problem of boating under the influence and to remind boaters not to drink and boat,” Jen Murray, chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council.
According to Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, 50 per cent of accidents involving boats occur when someone on the boat has been drinking alcohol.
It was estimated there was an average of 135 boating deaths per year from 2006 to 2008, according to MADD’s website.
“There seems to be a disconnect with getting behind the wheel of an automobile and getting behind the wheel of a boat,” Andrew Murie, CEO of MADD Canada said. “Twenty nine per cent of motorists admit to driving impaired, that’s compared to 39 per cent of those operating a boat.”
According to Transport Canada, boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code.
“Convictions, even for a first offence, may result in heavy punishment. Penalties range from a minimum of $1,000 to a ban from operating a vessel for up to three years,” according to its website.
To learn about the restrictions on carrying alcohol on board that apply to your area, check with the local RCMP.
Operation Dry Water is an initiative made through Transport Canada.
The number of boating deaths that occur over the summer months in Rocky View County were not available as of press time.
Rocky View County bodies of water include: Chestermere Lake, Bruce Lake, MacDonald Lake, Twin Lakes and Ghost Lake.
