The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is committed to reducing impaired operation both on land and water. Impairment can occur due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
The NRPS Marine Unit partnered with the NRPS Traffic Enforcement Unit between July 1 – July 3, 2023, to conduct directed patrols targeting impaired driving of boats. The enforcement initiative took place on Lake Ontario, the upper and lower Niagara River and Lake Erie. 38 boats were stopped by the officers. One boat operator was required to provide a breath sample into an approved screen device. There were no driver’s licence suspensions or arrests. Officers issued 20 infraction notices (tickets and documented warnings). The infraction notices were primarily for violations under Canada Shipping Act, and associated regulations. Two notices were issued related to Liquor Licence Act offences.
Anyone with information about impaired operation or any crime on Niagara’s water can contact the Marine Unit and leave a tip at [email protected] .
Impaired operation of a boat is a crime. Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online
Boating and Alcohol
To legally consume alcohol on a boat it must comply with the following:
The Liquor Licence Act of Ontario prohibits the presence of open alcohol in a boat just like in a car. Arrests and convictions for alcohol related offences on the water (e.g., impaired operation of a vessel) will impact your land-based driving. You will be subject to the same suspensions and penalties upon conviction.
To learn more about the safe operation of a pleasure craft click here.