EPS Marine Unit patrolling the North Saskatchewan for Operation Dry Water

In partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council, the Edmonton Police Service Marine Unit will be out on the North Saskatchewan River this August long weekend for ‘Operation Dry Water.’

A nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign, Operation Dry Water began in 2013 and is focused on reducing the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities on Canadian waterways.  

 

This long weekend, the EPS Marine Unit will join agencies across the country for the operation, working toeducate local water users on the dangers of impaired boating and the importance of safety equipment when heading out on the river. 

 

While the unit regularly patrols the North Saskatchewan throughout the summer, this will be the first year the unit joins the nationwide operation.

 

“As Edmontonians we’re privileged to enjoy such a beautiful river,” says Const. Derek Jones with the EPS Marine Unit. “Our goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy it safely and responsibly.”

 

Officers will patrol 48 km of the North Saskatchewan River by jet boat and Sea-doos and will launch at the 50^th Street boat launch in Capilano Park and the Laurier Park Boat Launch throughout the weekend (Aug. 4-6, 2018).

 

“We will be interacting with the public to educate them on the risks of impaired boating and provide information on safe and appropriate use of watercrafts on the river,” says Jones. “This will include checking for impairment, licences and safety equipment, as well as excessive noise caused by vessels or their occupants.”

 

Citizens are encouraged to visit the Safe Boating Guide available on the Transport Canada website for a complete list of boat safety regulations, and the Environment Canada website to check weather and water levels.

 

Did you know…

• Drinking one alcoholic beverage aboard a boat is the equivalent to drinking three on land. (Source: Transport Canada)

• Alcohol consumption is a factor in approximately 40% of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways.(Source: Canadian Safe Boating Council)

• Under the Criminal Code of Canada, impaired boaters can be charged with Impaired Operation of a Vessel. (Source: Transport Canada; Canadian Safe Boating Council)

• In Alberta, alcohol cannot be consumed on a vessel while it is underway. Alcohol may be consumed on board a vessel only while it is secured alongside a dock or anchored and only if the vessel has permanent sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities. ( Source: Transport Canada)

   

   

Operation Dry Water is made possible through the support of Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.