Members of the Athabasca-Boyle RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit teamed up with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers over the Labour Day long weekend to patrol the area's waterways. According to a Sept.
Members of the Athabasca-Boyle RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit teamed up with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers over the Labour Day long weekend to patrol the area's waterways.
According to a Sept. 3 RCMP press release, officers suspected that boaters may have been consuming alcohol, and wanted to ensure the safety of everyone who was on the waters.
RCMP Cpl. Curtis Harsulla said their suspicions were proven to be correct.
"We checked between eight and 10 boats for alcohol consumption," Harsulla said. "They were anything from small fishing boats to high-powered jet boats. Just one operator provided a sample showing zero alcohol in their body. Others had some alcohol in their system, but not a criminal or suspendible level. It was just astonishing that only one was able to test zero on a breathalyzer."
He said that it would appear that some people along the water felt that different rules may apply for boating than for driving a car or truck.
"One arrest was made on Saturday," Harsulla said. "He was taken into custody and released the same day. No criminal charges were filed, and he was given a 24-hour suspension of his operating license. As well, two other suspensions were issued during the weekend, and we handed out at least three tickets for open/consuming liquor while boating during the patrols."
He added the man who was arrested has no prior record.
"It's pretty rare that we keep an impaired operator in jail, unless there are issues that compel them to appear in court, or if they're chronic impaired drivers. Then we would hold a public hearing to keep it in the public interest," Harsulla said. "But if it's their first impairment or if there is no public interest issue, we release them on a court-compelling document."
He said the suspensions are not just for operating a boat along the water.
"That's also for any other motor vehicle, including ones that you can find on the highway," Harsulla said. "That's done in the public's interest just to ensure the safety of the public. While provincial sanctions for motor vehicles do not apply to boats, such as three-day suspensions or vehicle seizures, a 24-hour suspension can still be issued."
Harsulla added that Enforcement Officers would like to remind the public to obey the laws and regulations when boating along the lakes and rivers.
"You have got to apply the same thought process as you would any vehicle," he said. "If you drank heavy the night before, you may still be impaired the next morning. Driving with a hangover can still impair your judgement, and charges or suspensions can still occur if you get caught while driving impaired."
Hasulla said that officers will remain visible on the lakes and rivers throughout the area for the remainder of this season and into the next to ensure the safety of all users.
