Canoeist charged with impaired operation on Ontario lake [Video]

In an unusual switch from most impaired driving cases, a 40-year-old canoeist was charged with impaired operation and for failing to have a life jacket on board after his canoe capsized on Golden Lake northwest of Ottawa this past weekend.

Upper Ottawa Valley OPP received a call about a canoeist in distress on Golden Lake in North Algona-Wilberforce Township about 10 p.m. Saturday. The canoeist made it to shore safely but was still charged by police.

Under the Criminal Code it is illegal to operate a conveyance while impaired and a vessel, which encompasses all types of watercraft, regardless if they are motorized or not, falls under this definition. This includes boats, canoes, kayaks and sailboats.

The accused had his driver’s license suspended for 90 days and will appear in court to answer to the charges.

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