Saskatchewan RCMP warns boaters to stay sober this summer

The Saskatchewan RCMP is cautioning boaters to stay sober while they’re out on the water this summer, warning that drinking and boating can result in a boater losing their driver’s licence and picking up hefty fines, or even jail time.

According to the Mounties, alcohol is a factor in 60 per cent of all fatal boating accidents in Canada, and said officers will be conducting proactive patrols on the province’s waterways.

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“Boat operators found to be impaired can face the same penalties as impaired drivers,” corporal Jamie Diemert, who co-ordinates the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team, said in a statement.

“Whether you’re sailing on Last Mountain Lake, pontooning on Lake Diefenbaker, or paddling the Churchill River, we want all boat operators and passengers to stay safe and sober.”

The RCMP said officers on police boats can test for intoxication, the same way officers test drivers on the roads.

Drinking or having open alcohol on personal pleasure craft is illegal, the RCMP said, unless the boat is not in motion and secured by being docked, beached or anchored, and the boat must have a permanent sleeping area, bathroom and kitchen.

“If your boat is not equipped with these permanent facilities, then no one is permitted to consume alcohol onboard at any time,” the RCMP explained. “This applies to motorized boats as well as non-motorized vessels like canoes and kayaks.”

The RCMP said boaters being pulled over by a police watercraft should safely bring their vessel to a complete stop and shut off the engine, while following the instructions of officers.

Anyone who suspects a person is boating while impaired was advised to call 911.