Calgary police and the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) are warning Calgarians about the dangers of impaired boating and promoting safe water recreation with the launch of Operation Dry Water ahead of the August Heritage Day long weekend.
John Gullick, chair of the CSBC, said in a statement the operation hopes “to raise attention to the problem of boating under the influence and to remind boaters to boat sober.”
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, boaters can be charged with impaired operation of a vessel if found to be impaired. Human-powered craft like canoes and kayaks, also defined as vessels, can face the same penalties.
According to the council, drinking and boating accounts for roughly 40 per cent of fatalities on Canadian waterways.
CSBC reminds boaters that, combined with the sun, wind, waves, and the rocking motion of the boat, effects of ingesting alcohol and drugs while on the water can be greatly increased.
“At the end of the day, we want everyone to have fun and go home safely,” CPS Marine Unit Sgt. Alasdair Robertson-More said in a statement.
“Conditions on the river can change in an instant and impaired judgment or reaction time can have fatal consequences.”
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