Cops are strapping on their lifejackets to combat drinking and boating this long weekend

THOMPSON OKANAGAN – People know that drinking and driving has deadly consequences, this extends to boating too.

Drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40 per cent of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways, according to a recent RCMP release.

In order to combat alcohol related deaths and raise awareness for the August long weekend, Mounties are joining the Canadian Safe Boating Council in their fifth year of "Operation Dry Water." 

The Criminal Code of Canada states whether or not your craft is motorized, you can be charged with Impaired Operation of a vessel if your blood alcohol level exceeds the .08 threshold. Therefore, the federal statute means you can be charged with impaired operation of a boat or even a canoe. If convicted, a judge would be able to suspend your boating privileges and repercussions can extend beyond the loss of your boating privileges like if you were convicted of impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

Operation Dry Water is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities on the water while fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use while boating.

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