THUNDER BAY – The provincial police force wants people celebrating the upcoming long weekend to never boat under the influence.
The OPP is teaming up with other marine enforcement agencies across the country to launch Operation Dry Water, which is a national campaign encouraging those operation a boat to avoid drugs and alcohol.
The campaign, which is led by the Canadian Safe Boating Council, runs throughout the August Civic long weekend.
“Whether you are at the cottage, cruising, fishing, or paddling, we all have a role to play to ensure our time on the water is safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said OPP chief superintendent Chuck Cox, who is commander of the highway safety division. “Influence your family and friends to take the booze out of boating and to report impaired boat operators to police.
In Ontario, the penalties for operating a boat while impaired are the same as operating a motor vehicle. Those caught will not only be charged but will have their driver’s license immediately suspended.
Provincial boating fatalities were at a 10-year low last year.
