WATER SAFETY – FOURTH EDITION OF OPERATION ZERO

WATER SAFETY – FOURTH EDITION OF OPERATION ZERO

From August 5 to 7, 2017, the Sûreté du Québec participated, for a fourth year, in the Alcohol Zero awareness campaign in collaboration with the Quebec Maritime Association and the Canadian Council on Boating Safety. The Sûreté du Québec carried out operations on bodies of water in order to detect alcohol or drug-impaired boaters.

Alcohol consumption represents 40% of incidents involving watercrafts, according to the CNSC. The sun, wind and boat moving on the waves represent some of the causes that can increase the effects of alcohol and drugs. In addition, alcohol and drug use pose risks to passengers. Consuming stimulants such as this can lead to distractions for the drivers of boats as well as drowning.

In Quebec, it is not forbidden to consume alcohol on board a boat, even if it is a motorboat. However, drivers who consume alcohol significantly increase the risk of collisions and, if they have impaired driving ability due to alcohol or drugs, they are subject to the penalties set out in the Criminal Code; A minimum fine of $ 1,000 to imprisonment, depending on the number of repeat offenses.

Operation Zero aims to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions on the water so that they are safer and more enjoyable for recreational use.