NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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A vessel operator from Fergus found out that impaired driving includes boats after his vessel was the subject of a vessel safety equipment check by the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment marine unit.
Officers stopped the vessel near 7:15 p.m. June 16 while patrolling on Penetang Harbour and upon speaking with the operator of the vessel an impaired operation investigation was commenced.
As a result of the investigation David Wayne Embree, 66, of Fergus was charged with operation while impaired (blood-alcohol concentration 80-plus) contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada and further with not having a vessel licence and for not having a working flashlight contrary to the Canada Shipping Act.
The accused was released on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on June 30 and also faces a driver’s licence suspension as per the Ministry of Transportation guidelines. Vessel operators need to be aware that if you are convicted of an impaired driving offence while operating your boat, the penalties are the same as operating a vehicle. See the following link for more information: www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.
Educating the public about safe driving practices with our community safety partners is a priority. If you see a possible impaired driver or operator please make the call and dial 911 and help prevent a crash. If you are heading out on the water or on the trails, please make a plan to get home safely.
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