RCMP remind public of dangers of Intoxicated Boating

The Cold Lake RCMP is reminding the public of the dangers of drinking alcohol while boating. Constable Dave Hart, with the Cold Lake Detachment, explains that impaired boating comes with the same consequences as impaired driving.

“There has been increased activity on the lakes,” Cst. Hart said with increased activity comes increased risk. “Alcohol and water do not mix.”

The RCMP have partnered with local Fish & Wildlife authorities to ensure there is more of a presence at local lakes. “We have more members trained to operate the boat, as well,” confirmed Cst. Hart.

“We are making it a priority to get out and be visible,” not just with alcohol awareness and prevention, but also with proper safe boating education, explained Hart.

In the case of impaired operation of a boat, it comes with the same consequences of that if you were caught in a car. This applies to anyone who operates a motor vehicle or vessel or operates or assists in the operation of an aircraft or of railway equipment or has the care or control of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft or railway equipment, whether it is in motion or not.

Alberta’s impaired driving laws have changed, as of April 9, 2018, drivers with blood alcohol of .08 or over, who are impaired by alcohol, drugs or their combination, or who fail or refuse to provide a breath or blood sample;

• a 90-day driving suspension where the suspended driver is unable to drive under any circumstances, and
• a further one-year driving suspension where the suspended driver may be eligible to drive on a condition that they participate in Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program. If they choose not to participate, they will remain suspended during this one-year term with no ability to drive to legally.

For more information on Alberta’s impaired driving laws, visit https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/impaireddriving.htm