Boat operator faces possible impaired charges

Complaints about a boat being operated in a dangerous manner on Okanagan Lake led to man facing potential charges of impaired operation of a vessel.

Report say the boat nearly hit another boat and a kayacker after leaving a marina on Water Street in Kelowna around 6 p.m. Monday.

The Kelowna Fire Department launched their vessel in order to transport West Kelowna RCMP officers onto the water. The boat was located near Kin Beach.

“During police interactions with the operator at the scene, the investigator detected signs of impairment and provided the boater with a demand for a sample of his breath. The man was transported off the water and taken back to the detachment for a breath test,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, media relations officer.

Police said the 46-year-old Kelowna man provided two breath samples, both of which were more than the legal limit. He now faces potential charges of impaired operation of a vessel and was released from custody for a future court date.

The boat was impounded.

The circumstances will be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service for their review and charge approval.

“The RCMP would like to remind the public that drinking and driving, whether on land or water, is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code,” said Noseworthy. “Police urge the public to report suspected impaired drivers both on and off the water.”