Bell’s Point boater is little bit buzzy

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* ST. MARY'S RIVER, ON – A boating complaint was received near Bell’s Point on the St. Mary’s River yesterday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.

The check of a vessel by the OPP Marine Unit resulted in one vessel operator receiving a three-day driver’s licence suspension for drinking and boating.

Boaters caught drinking and boating in Ontario face the same penalties as those for drinking and driving.

Penalties include:

- Three day driver’s license suspension if caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the “warn” range (0.05 to 0.08) with escalating sanctions.

- For boaters exceeding a 0.08 BAC: An immediate 90-day driver’s licence suspension; Mandatory alcohol assessment, education and follow-up as a condition of licence re-instatement; Installation of an ignition interlock on the boater’s motor vehicle; Vehicle impoundment for driving while under suspension; and if convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada, the boater’s driver’s licence can be suspended for one year up to a lifetime depending on whether it is a first, second or subsequent offence.

The new legislation applies to motorized and non-motorized vessels including power boats, canoes, kayaks, jet-skies, sailboats and dinghies and other inflatable boats and rafts.

If your summer plans include boating, think smart, think safe.

*************************