**** RCMP Media Release
Joint patrols on Grand Lake promote safe boating
Joint patrols on Grand Lake resulted in 121 criminal charges, summary offence tickets and warnings.
Between July 19 and 21, the Community Action Response Team (CART)of the RCMP’s Halifax Regional Detachment, the RCMP’s Southeast Traffic Services, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) conducted patrols on Grand Lake in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
During the patrols, 80% of breath samples taken screened positive for alcohol. Breath demands also resulted in one seven-day suspension and one arrest:
On July 20, at approximately 6 p.m., RCMP officers, along with law enforcement partners, observed a vessel with four occupants, taking on water and heading towards shore. Officers approached the vessel to render assistance. The driver of the vessel, a 39-year-old Enfield man, exhibited signs of impairment and was demanded to provide breath samples into an approved screening device, which resulted in a fail.
The man was arrested and transported to Lower Sackville Detachment where he provided subsequent breath samples which registered at 150 mg% and 140 mg%. He was later released and will appear in court at a later date to face charges of Operation while Impaired and Operation of a Conveyance 80mg% or over.
The proactive patrols also generated interactions with over 40 vessels, resulting in:
- 40 warnings for not having a pleasure craft registered
- 20 warnings for failing to possess a pleasure craft licence
- Four summary offence tickets under the Liquor Control Act
- 40 warnings under the Liquor Control Act
- Three warnings under the Wildlife Act
- Twelve warnings under the Provincial Parks Act
Water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Officers will be out on the water patrolling coastlines throughout 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.
