Booze and boats don’t mix

Hamilton police are warning people not to drink and boat. To reinforce the message and raise awareness, they’re launching Operation Dry Water along with the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

Drinking and boating account for 40 per cent of boating-related fatalities. One thing police say many people don’t realize is that an impaired conviction on the water carries onto land.

Constable Ben Rushton warns that “if you get caught impaired on a vessel, you will be arrested and charged with impaired driving. your driver’s licence will be suspended for 90 days at first and then upon confirmation, for longer. ”

Police are also reminding boaters that it is just as illegal to drink alcohol on canoe or kayak, as on a motor boat.