Drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40% of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways.
To raise awareness and reduce impairment-related deaths, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and Chatham-Kent Police are launching year six of an initiative called ‘Operation Dry Water’ Its goal is to stress the importance of Boating Sober.
With the summer boating season in high gear, the Civic Holiday weekend is the perfect time to remind Canadian boaters about the risks of impaired boating. Combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat, the effects of alcohol and drugs on the water can be greatly increased.
“The CSBC, its partners and sponsors would like, through this and our other initiatives, to raise attention to the problem of boating under the influence and to remind boaters to boat sober,” stated John Gullick, Chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council“. Operation Dry Water will focus on the potential risks of impaired boating, and remedies that are currently in place to discourage it.
Federal statutes dictate that boaters can be charged with Impaired Operation of a Vessel under the Criminal Code of Canada if they are found to be impaired. Under current and proposed legislation, human-powered craft are not excluded from the definition of a vessel and, so, are subject to the same penalties. Some provinces, like Ontario have enacted legislation where impaired boating can affect your automobile driving privileges.
Operation Dry Water is aimed at reducing the number of impairment-related accidents and fatalities on the water while fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use while boating. The end goal is to achieve safer and more enjoyable recreational boating.
CKPS Sgt Matt Stezycki says, “Our Marine Unit will be visible and out interacting with boaters during the upcoming August long weekend. Our ultimate goal is to encourage waterway safety through enforcement and education. Our Service remains committed to our Mission Statement regarding public safety, and this applies to the waterways of the Municipality. The Chatham-Kent Police Service encourages all boaters and those enjoying our waterways to respect the well-being of other users and have a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend”.
This initiative is made possible through support of Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.
For a 30-second PSA and additional media resources on boating safety, please visit www.csbc.ca under CSBC Safety Campaigns
