If you are thinking of drinking and boating this May long weekend, think again
Fish and wildlife officers will start doing breathalyzer tests on some lakes and rivers
A new provincial program aimed at cracking down on impaired boating will see fish and wildlife officers start administering breathalyzer tests on lakes and rivers in central Alberta for the summer months.
This new pilot program to target impaired boaters in "key areas" of the province will begin on Friday and run until Sept. 1, the province said. Previously, fish and wildlife officers did not administer breathalyzer tests.
In a news release Thursday, the province said the new program will focus on lakes and rivers around Spruce Grove, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, Camrose, and Red Deer.
The release states that if there is a reasonable suspicion that a boat operator has consumed alcohol, fish and wildlife officers can now administer breath tests and can arrest the operator if they are impaired.
Penalties for operating a boat while impaired may include suspension of driver's licence, fines, prohibition from operating a boat, and possible prison terms.
According to the Lifesaving Society and Drowning Research Centre Canada, 50 per cent of boating-relating water fatalities in Alberta involve alcohol consumption.
"Alberta families have a right to enjoy our beautiful summers safely. The pilot program we've announced today sends a clear message: impaired boating has no place on Alberta's waterways. Full stop," said Alberta's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.
"Operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous and illegal as driving a car impaired. I want to commend our fish and wildlife officers for taking concrete steps to prevent accidents and keep Albertans safe."
