Boating and Alcohol do not mix!
Posted on Wed, Jul 27, 2011 @ 11:24 PM
Picture this... It’s a hot summer day and your sitting by the lake having a few drinks with friends and family. You can’t wait to take the boat out for a ride, but you don’t because you know alcohol and boating do not mix.
According to the Lifesaving Society, in Ontario alcohol intoxication has been the second most frequent cause of preventable water-related deaths averaging 28% of deaths per year from 1996 -2000.
Boaters caught drinking and boating in Ontario face similar consequences to those for drinking and driving.
According to The Ministry of Transportation, you could face the following consequences:
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Immediate 3, 7, or 30 day license suspension.
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Mandatory alcohol education and/or treatment programs.
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Immediate 90-day administrative license suspension and a $150 administrative monetary penalty
If convicted under the Criminal Code, the boater will also face:
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Driver's license suspension, for one year up to a lifetime ban
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Mandatory alcohol assessment, education or treatment, and follow-up
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Ignition interlock condition on their driver’s license for one year to up to a lifetime
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Vehicle impoundment if caught driving a motor vehicle while under suspension
These consequences apply to anyone who is caught drinking and operating both motorized and non-motorized vessels, including canoes, kayaks, sailboats, etc.
For more water safety and risk management information, download our free Boat Safety Checklist today!