Photo: Laura Brookes

As we head into Canada Day Wednesday, RCMP tell Castanet that a boater is facing potential charges of criminal impaired operation of a vessel, after his reckless driving behaviour prompted other water users to report him.

The incident happened just before 6 p.m. on June 29th, 2020. RCMP received complaints about a boat on Okanagan Lake that had recently left a marina on Water Street. The boat was reportedly being operated in an erratic and dangerous manner, nearly striking another boat and a kayaker.

The Kelowna Fire Department was called on to launch their vessel to assist West Kelowna RCMP. The boat in question was located near Kin Beach.

The investigating officer detected signs of impairment during the inspection and the operator, a man, was transported off the water and taken back to the detachment for a breath test.

The 46-year-old Kelowna man provided two breath samples, both of which were more than the legal limit. He now faces potential charges of impaired operation of a vessel and was released from custody for a future court date and his boat was impounded.

“The RCMP would like to remind the public that drinking and driving, whether on land or water, is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code,” says Cpl Jocelyn Noseworthy. “Police urge the public to report suspected impaired drivers both on and off the water.”

The circumstances will be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service for their review and charge approval.