Over the long weekend, the RCMP will be out in full force participating in Operation Dry Water, a national awareness and enforcement campaign promoting safe boating.

Operation Dry Water aims to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related collisions and fatalities and to foster a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

Statistics consistently show that alcohol is a factor in approximately 40% of boating fatalities.

RCMP wish to remind Nova Scotians that consuming alcohol while operating a vessel is impaired driving, and fines and penalties are the same as driving a motor vehicle on the road while impaired. Nova Scotia RCMP also reminds the public that all boaters must possess a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card when operating a marine vessel. Failure to produce a valid operator’s card when asked can result in a fine of $250.

Safe boating means that alcohol and boating do not mix. RCMP encourage everyone on the water in Nova Scotia to respect the laws and have a fun-filled ‘dry’ experience on the waters this weekend.

For more information regarding impaired driving laws in Nova Scotia visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/roadsafety/newimpaireddriving.asp and for small vessel regulations visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/FullText.html.

Source: Release