N.S. lake patrol results in 1 arrest, 4 alcohol-related tickets, 115 warnings

RCMP say a patrol of a Nova Scotia lake over a three-day period this month resulted in a "very concerning" number of charges, tickets and warnings for a variety of offences, dozens of them alcohol-related.

A 39-year-old Enfield, N.S., man was charged with impaired operation of a boat during the patrol of Grand Lake near Enfield from July 19 to 21. The patrol also saw one licence suspended, four tickets handed out for breaking provincial liquor laws, and 115 warnings issued, including 40 under the Liquor Control Act.

"It certainly is very concerning to see that many infractions," RCMP Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said in an interview. 

"When you're thinking 40 vessels and 121 charges or summary offence or warnings, it can be very surprising to the public, but we're out there to enforce, educate and certainly promote public safety."

Alcohol found in 80% of samples

Alcohol was detected in 40 out of 50 breath samples requested from operators during the patrol, which also involved provincial and federal enforcement officers.

"It's important to remember, even if you have alcohol below [the legal limit], you could always be charged with a criminal offence of being impaired in operating a vessel if you do have a collision of some kind," said Tremblay.

"You're still impaired to some level and it's still possible to charge you under that offence."

He warned boaters that piloting a boat under the influence of alcohol is just as serious an offence as driving drunk.

"At the end of the day, when you are found guilty, it is a criminal record and the same criminal offence, whether you're on your vessel, in a car, on an ATV, on your ride-on lawn tractor."

The other warnings issued during the patrol included:

• 40 warnings for not having a pleasure craft registered.
• 20 warnings for failing to possess a pleasure craft licence.
• Three warnings under the Wildlife Act.
• Twelve warnings under the Provincial Parks Act.

A news release issued by the RCMP and the province warned that officers will be patrolling coastlines over the summer.

"Don't be surprised if we pull up to your recreational vessel to chat and to ensure responsible boating practices are being followed," the release said.