Greater Sudbury Police took their campaign against impaired driving to the water Saturday, checking boaters on a couple of popular city lakes.
The checks are part of the force's RIDE (reduce impaired driving everywhere) program, which is aimed at reducing property damage, injuries and death caused by impaired driving. RIDE checks target high-incident / high-complaint areas.
“The Greater Sudbury Police Service RIDE program attended on Long Lake and Penage Lake, conducted RID.E checks for boaters consuming alcohol or drugs,” police said in a news release Sunday.
A total of 21 boats were checked, resulting in three, three-day suspensions for alcohol-related infractions. Four people were charged for breaking the Liquor Licence Act, two for breaking the Canada Shipping Act, while four people were given breathalyzer tests.
“Boaters are reminded to ensure their vessels are equipped with necessary boaters’ safety kits, including working flashlights and that navigation lighting is required 30 minutes before sunset,” the news release said.
