(St. John’s, NL), August 4, 2017 – Drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40% of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways.  To raise awareness and reduce alcohol related deaths, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is joining the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) to launch year 5 of an initiative called “Operation Dry Water”  It’s goal is to discourage this dangerous practice.

With the summer boating season in high gear, August is the perfect time to remind Canadian boaters about the risks of impaired boating.  Combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat, the effects of alcohol on the water can be greatly increased.

The CSBC and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary would like, through this initiative, to raise attention to the problem of boating under the influence and to remind boaters not to drink and boat.  Operation Dry Water will focus on the potential risks of impaired boating, and remedies that are currently in place to discourage it.

In the eyes of the law, impaired boating, like impaired operation of a motor vehicle, is a criminal offence that can have repercussions far beyond the loss of your boating privileges. Operation Dry Water is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities on the water while fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use while boating. The end goal is to achieve safer and more enjoyable recreational boating.

This initiative is made possible through support of Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.

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Cst. Geoffrey G. Higdon #819
Media Relations / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C-2G2
Twitter: @RNC_PoliceNL
Facebook: RoyalNewfoundlandConstabulary
709-729-8658