Operation Dry Water is into its second year of operation, and the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) is using the August long weekend as a timely reminder of the dangers of drinking and boating.
The goal of the program is to raise awareness and reduce alcohol-related deaths on the water, where alcohol accounts for about 40 per cent of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways, according to the CSBC.
With the summer boating season in high gear, the August 2nd long weekend is the perfect time to remind Canadian boaters about the risks of drinking and boating.
Combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat, the effects of alcohol on boaters can be greatly increased.
“The CSBC and its partners would like, through this initiative, to raise attention to the problem of boating under the influence and to remind boaters not to drink and boat,” said Jean Murray, chair of the council.
Operation Dry Water focuses on the potential risks of drinking and boating, and on the remedies that are currently in place to discourage it.
Police presence is one of the factors in discouraging such behaviour.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk said although his detachment patrols both Gleniffer and Pine lakes, their purpose is to focus more on education and awareness than enforcement.
“(Our officers) do boat checks and make sure they have required equipment like throw ropes, life vests, bailing devices, signaling devices, lights on the boat, and that the operator operating with a vessel operating license,” said Matechuk.
“We usually have a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol in the water, but it hasn't been a big problem, but there's been a few isolated incidents where we have laid charges.”
His officers treat boats just like vehicles when it comes to alcohol while they are also making sure that boaters and their companions are just having some good safe fun on the water, he said.
They also perform the occasional rescue for stranded boaters, he said, adding that he feels their patrols have played a big part in the reduction of mishaps.
“Most definitely. It a definite reminder to everybody to drive with caution, have a spotter, keep the alcohol off the water, and stuff like that. So it's a definite deterrent and helps to increase safety in the water. And that's our primary focus is to ensure safe, fun water activity,” he said.
According to federal statutes, whether a craft is motorized or not, the operator can still be charged with impaired operation of a vessel if their blood alcohol levels exceed the .08 limit.
So as long as people save the drinks until after they get ashore, they will keep themselves and their families safe, as well as save themselves some potential trouble with police, he said.
