Cold Lake Mounties are reminding everyone looking to take advantage of the warm summer weather out on the lake to think ahead when it comes to safety. Police are trying their best to make the water safe for everyone, including patrols with police boats looking for impaired boaters.
Constable Dave Hart says the worst thing a boater can do is enjoy a few too many before taking to the water.
“We’ve seen an increase of activity on lakes. We strongly advise people that alcohol and water and boats certainly don’t mix.”
RCMP are reminding boaters that just because you’re out on the water doesn’t mean the penalties are different from driving. Getting caught operating a boat after drinking too much is the exact same as getting caught driving while impaired.
Constable Hart says in the case of the Cold Lake detachment, they’re being pro-active to try to avoid an accident out on the water that could end somebody’s life.
“We have partnered with Alberta Fish and Wildlife to try to increase our patrols. We also have extra members who have been trained to operate the (RCMP) boat.”
MADD Canada says around 40 percent of deaths on Canadian waterways are caused by impaired operators. Mounties say if you suspect someone is operating a watercraft impaired to call your local police.