Alberta boaters to be breathalyzed more often this summer: province

The Gaetz Avenue Bridge looking over the Red Deer River. (Google Street View)

The Alberta government is looking to crack down on impaired boaters, who they say pose a serious threat to safety on local waterways.

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The province has announced a new program to increase the number of boat operators being tested with breathalyzers.

Starting Saturday, fish and wildlife officers will enhance patrols on lakes and rivers around Spruce Grove, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, Camrose and Red Deer.

Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offence. The province said it is also a leading factor in recreational boating deaths in Alberta, with 50 per cent of boating-related deaths involving alcohol.

Any operators found to be impaired will be arrested and could face criminal charges. Other penalties could include suspension of their driver’s licence, fines and possible jail time.

“Alberta families have a right to enjoy our beautiful summers safely. The pilot program we’ve announced today sends a clear message: impaired boating has no place on Alberta’s waterways. Full stop,” Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services, said.

“Operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous and illegal as driving a car impaired.”

In addition to testing boat operators, officers will be checking boat licences, compliance with safety requirements and speed in wake zones.

The program will run until September.