Southern Alberta man charged with impaired boating

A 36-year-old Crowsnest Pass, Alta., man is facing charges, accused of operating a boat while impaired.

On the evening of Aug. 11, Pincher Creek Emergency Services and the RCMP received a 9-1-1 call from a boater on the Oldman Reservoir in distress after his boat had quit.

With thunderstorms moving into the region, the boat was located shortly after on the Crowsnest River arm of the reservoir, sitting on a shallow muddy area.

The boat was carrying the suspect along with a 32-year-old woman and 7-year-old child.

Both adults were found to be intoxicated and the man operating the boat was arrested and charged with impaired care and control of a vessel, as well as liquor offences.

“This incident involved several emergency departments including two fire departments, Provincial Parks officers and the RCMP,” the mounties said in a news release.

“RCMP remind all boaters that alcohol and boating do not mix, creating a dangerous situation for themselves and other boaters, especially when children are involved.”

RCMP say the penalties for operating or having care and control of a boat while impaired are the same as driving any other motor vehicle.