(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
July 31, 2016 - 3:30 PM
KELOWNA - The rules of the road still apply when cruising the Okanagan waterways.
Police were patrolling Okanagan Lake on Friday, July 29, and saw a vessel moving in an erratic manner, according to a release.
Officers conducted a safety check of the vessel at approximately 8:14 p.m. Police found open alcohol on board and determined there were not enough life jackets for the number of passengers.
The operator of the vessel showed signs of alcohol intoxication. Sobriety and breathalyzer tests determined he was at almost twice the legal limit.
The operator is a 26-year-old Vancouver man who now faces potential charges of impaired operation of a vessel. He was released from custody and must appear in court on November 3, 2016.
Two passengers, a 28-year-old Kelowna man and a 22-year-old Kelowna woman were found to allegedly be in breach of court-imposed conditions of release. Both were arrested and held in custody. They face potential charges of breach of a recognizance.
“The RCMP would like to remind the public, that public safety both on and off the water is our priority this weekend and that drinking and driving, whether on land or water, is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code,” Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a release. “Police urge the public to report suspected impaired drivers both on and off the water,” O’Donaghey said.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016