MADD, Durham Police, local marinas join up to help stop impaired boating in Whitby, Durham Region

MADD Durham Region, Durham Regional Police Service and participating marinas across the Region have kicked-off the ‘Report Impaired Boating – Call 911’ signage program, which encourages citizens to report impaired boating by calling 911.

Thirty-seven per cent of boaters in Canada admit to consuming alcohol every time they boat, and nearly two-thirds admit to consuming alcohol sometimes when boating and MADD Durham Region and its partners want to make everyone aware that boating while impaired is not only very dangerous, it is a crime.

“Boating while under the influence could cost you everything,” said Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell, who thanked Whitby Port Marina for installing the signs at the Town’s harbourfront.

Drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40 per cent of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways and boaters were also reminded that Impaired boating carries similar fines and penalties as impaired driving.

The emphasis on reporting suspected impaired boaters is an extension of MADD Canada’s Campaign 911 which was launched in 2007 in partnership with the Canadian Police Association and the Canadian Association of Police Boards. Campaign 911 empowers Canadians to join the fight against impaired driving by calling 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.